‘Beware of Online scam’ Garda issues alert notifications

Garda warns members of the public to beware as an online shopping delivery warning has been issued over scammers targeting bank information.

An Garda Siochana Laois and Offaly division posted on social media in order which highlights a scam that involves a text message purporting to be from a delivery service.

Scammers are sending the message posing as a service attempting to deliver an online order to a customer.

The theft happens in the light of Brexit, as the new taxes are imposed.

The warning from Gardai reads: ‘Are you waiting for delivery of online shopping? Beware!!

‘People are receiving text messages which say: “We have attempted to deliver your package but there is an unpaid customs charge. Follow the instructions here: hyperlink attached to message or the package is held at shipping”.

Garda says that this hyperlink may lead to a reputable delivery company branded page (which is obviously a fake copy) with another hyperlink showing as the package number in the text.

By clicking the link one will be directed to a page to enter bank card details and other details. Once the scammers got the details they will start playing their game.

Garda said never click on these hyperlinks (blue coloured underlined text), instead contact the delivery company via a verified phone number or email to enquire if there are any such customs charges.