Online scammers are ringing potential victims from 083 prefix telephone numbers and leaving an automated recording that tells them that they are ringing from An Garda Síochána and their PPS number has been suspended. Potential victims are called and advised that Gardaí is investigating them in relation to suspicious activity linked to their PPS number, and in order to rectify the situation, the recipient is then advised to press a number to speak to someone further in relation to the matter.
People who fear they may have fallen victim to the scam should contact their bank or financial institution and report the situation at their local Garda station.
Approximately 3 years ago, scammers used 083 prefix telephone numbers to trick potential victims into calling back premium-rate numbers that potential victims were charged for. The money collected via the premium pay-per-minute services will be paid over to the scammers unless the scam is detected and shut down by the callers' telephone service provider.