Waterford gardaí advise public to be wary of bank card scam

A number of reports have been received by gardaí nationwide of a scam involving phone calls from a fraudster claiming to be from people's bank. 

A spokesperson for Waterford gardaí said that when the call is made the caller states there has been fraudulent activity on the person's account and that they will arrange a replacement card.

"They request the pin of the card and state that they will send a car to collect the card," said the spokesperson.

"Some of our older citizens have been the victim of this type of fraud at the loss of considerable amounts," she added.

The spokesperson went on to comment: "We would encourage people to have a discussion around this type of fraud with family and friends who may be vulnerable to this type of scam."

For more advice look up fraudsmart.ie and the gardaí advise people that if in doubt "hang up and contact your bank directly through a trusted phone number or call into the branch".

"Again we would encourage people to report any suspected crimes by phoning 999/112 or their local Garda Station," she said.

"If you see something, say something," she added.

Alternatively, people can call the An Garda Síochána audio messaging service on the confidential line 1800 666 111. 

Full details are available on www.garda.ie and the Garda Síochána Waterford Facebook Page.