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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sarah Barrett

Gardai warn over latest 'clever but costly' phone scam targeting Irish public after woman caught out

Gardaí have issued a warning urging people to be aware of a "clever but costly" scam doing the rounds again.

Members of the force in Kilkenny are advising what to look out for, as the scam begins when potential victims "miss a call from a +44 number (UK) and ring back the number".

Gardai state that the curiosity to ring back is natural, but could prove "expensive".

Read more: Gardai warn of fraud ring operating in Ireland using text scam to steal thousands from bank accounts

The purpose of the scam call is so the recipient will return the missed call, which leads to the scam victim being connected to a billing service that runs up a bill.

"When you ring back you are automatically connected to a billing service and the connection cost 25 euro per call," gardai stated.

A woman in Kilkenny has already fallen victim to the scam, with gardai stating: "One lady from Kilkenny found this out who rang the number twice. Fifty euros down. Please be vigilant."

An Garda Síochána attached to Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow issued a further warning on social media on Sunday.

Gardaí adds that local people who have friends and family based in the UK may be particularly susceptible to ringing back.

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