Gardai are urging the Irish public to be vigilant after they observed an increased prevalence of one type of scam attempt.
'Advance fee fraud' sees scammers try to part people with their money by asking them to pay a fee for a loan that is never issued.
Members of the force warn of several websites offering hassle-free loans to people which actually turn out to be scams.
They explained how the fraud works and the 'red flags' people should be aware of.
Gardai for the Laois/Offaly division said on Thursday: "Advance fee fraud requires individuals to pay a fee before receiving a promised sum of money which is never paid.
"Garda have noticed an increase in this practice recently with a number of websites offering quick, easy, unsecured loans. The victim is required to fill in a short application that looks for their details.
"Once these details have been submitted a follow up phone call is received from what appears to be an Irish number. The victim is informed via the telephone call that their loan has been approved but they are required to make a payment in advance of the loan being paid into their account."
Gardai said that reasons for fees vary but can include insurance fees, set up fees or asking for the first instalment in advance.
They said: "The websites used in these scams look professional in nature but there are a number of red flags which the public should look out for. These include (but not limited to):
- "The common trend with all these sites is that they are offer quick and easy money.
- "No guarantor or security is sought and no checks on the individual’s ability to pay will be made and no documents/proof of ID will be sought
- "The requirement that a fee is paid in advance of the service being provided.
- "The fraudster will put pressure on the victim to act quickly or the opportunity will be lost
- "The company offering the loans is not be regulated by the Irish Central Bank. Even though they may claim to be so regulated or will say they don’t need regulation as they are experienced."
They also issued comprehensive advice on what people can do to avoid being caught out by fraudsters.
An Garda Sochana would advise the public to:
- "Never apply for a loan from an entity that is not authorised by the Central Bank – do your checks in advance of any agreement and before sending any money.
- "ALWAYS check the official Central Bank website to see if the firm is authorised by the Central Bank. The register of authorised firms can be accessed at http://registers.centralbank.ie/.
- "There may also be instances where a firm 'clones' the details of an authorised entity by taking the details of an authorised entity and claiming to either be that entity or an associated entity. Further information in respect of unauthorised firms that have already come to the attention of the Central Bank is available on the Central Bank’s website at https://www.centralbank.ie/.../authori.../unauthorised-firms but please be warned that there may be scams out there that have not yet come to the attention of the Central Bank.
- "Never allow your account to be used by another to move money or to hold money for any period (long or short) as this enables Fraudsters to complete their crimes, and deprives innocent Victims of their hard earned cash.
- "Unfortunately there are no cheap easy loans available in the market and if the offer 'sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is too good to be true'.
- "Always report the matter to your local Garda station.
- "Stop and think BEFORE ENGAGING.
- "Never give away personal data to people you don’t know.
- "Always be fraud aware, particularly when you receive an unsolicited phone call, email, text or other communication that leads to a request for personal or banking information.
- "Never click on a link in an email, text or other message unless you know the source."
