Clare gardai investigate 'smishing' scam in the wake of Storm Éowyn

Clare gardaí have confirmed they are investigating an incident of so-called ‘Smishing’ in the wake of the recent storms which impacted hundreds of homeowners in Clare.

In the case, which is under investigation, the injured party received a text message from fraudsters who subsequently stole a sum of money.

"The message stated that it was from mygov.ie and informed the person that they were entitled to a refund following the storm. The injured party believed the message and provided personal details," said crime prevention officer Sergeant Catriona Holohan who added that sums of money were subsequently taken from their account.

No further information has been disclosed publicly and gardai are appealing to members of the public to be vigilant to ensure they are the victim of a similar fraud.

READ ALSO: Clare man jailed for stealing gifts and unopened cards intended for bride at wedding

How to avoid becoming a victim of smishing - garda advice
* Be suspicious of text messages received out of the blue that claim to come
from a reputable organisation, such as a bank or credit/debit card issuer
* Be cautious of text messages that prompt you to call a phone number or visit
a website to resolve an issue or verify your details urgently
* Do not respond to text messages that request personal information, such as
your bank account details, without first independently verifying that they are
from a genuine source
* Never reply to text messages that request your PIN, online banking password,
or any other password
* Be wary about calling any phone number, or clicking on any link, that is
embedded within a text message

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a smishing text message, should immediately contact their bank or service provider immediately, followed by gardai.