Gardaí have launched an urgent warning for people to be on the look out for a gift card scam targeting people across the region.
The so-called iTunes scam was in circulation previously, but now gardaí have said that the con has re-emerged in recent days with a new twist during the Covid-19 crisis. The scam is targeting people who wish to be kind to the sick.
“Gardaí recently received a report from a company who had received a fraudulent email claiming to be a member of staff in a senior position.
“They asked that a staff member purchase an iTunes gift cards, which they did, and share the 16-digit code on the back of the card. The scammers will then use this code to purchase goods online.
“In this incident, the fraudulent email stated the gift cards were being used "as a donation to the local hospice” and made reference to Covid-19,” a Garda spokesman said.
Independently verify details
Gardaí are advising people to be vigilant and suspicious of any calls, voicemails, emails etc. from people claiming to represent a company or organisation you may be a customer of or work for.
“The person contacting you may have some information about you, so don’t trust them just because they use your name or other personal information.
“Always say "No” to unsolicited calls or emails seeking private information about you. Private information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN and passwords.
“Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the person contacting you.
“If you receive a request from someone within your business and you are unsure, ring them directly to verify. Do not reply directly to the email,” the Garda spokesman advised.
