Local man scammed out of €9,300

The latest local phone scam victim had €9,300 taken from his bank account.

It happened to an Athlone man in his 20s on Wednesday, September 29, and he reported it to Gardaí on the same day.

Sgt Andrew Haran from Athlone Garda Station explained to the Westmeath Independent that the man received a text message that he believed was legitimate from his bank, he clicked on the link provided and it took him into his bank account. It was then his data or details were stolen.

A few minutes later, the young man discovered that €9,300 had been taken from his account, something that is now happening on a regular basis locally and countrywide, Sgt Haran added.

“There are incredible levels of innovation in terms of scams and they are finding victims in Ireland and Athlone,” he commented, asking the public not to click on any links without authenticating or give any details of passwords, account details etc by text or on the phone.

“We seem to value the money in our pocket but we don't seem to value money in our account in the same way in terms of giving out digital details and passwords. There is no reason to do it,” he warned.

Anyone with concerns should call Athlone Garda Station 09064 98550.