Gardaí have alerted the public to scam involving €2,000 worth of iTunes gift cards.
Officers in Cork received a report of an attempt to defraud a business via email.
The email was sent by a person claiming to be the Manager of the company and requested that a staff member purchase €2,000 of iTunes gift cards and send on the voucher numbers.
Thankfully the employee contacted their Manager by phone to verify the request which turned out to be a scam.
Gardaí are advising people to be vigilant and suspicious of any calls, voicemails or emails from people claiming to represent a company, or organisation that you may be a customer or employee of.
They may ask you to purchase gift cards or vouchers. The scammer may have some information about you, so don’t trust them just because they use your name or have other personal information.
No company will request payment via iTunes or any other online vouchers. If you receive a call like this, end the call and contact Gardaí.
Crime Prevention Advice
Always say "NO” to unsolicited callers or texters seeking personal information about you. Personal information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, Passwords.
An Garda Síochána or your bank will never look for your Banking PIN number, Password, ask you to transfer money or come to your home to collect your payment card, cheque book or cash.
Speaking at Anglesea Street Garda Station today, Detective Superintendent Healy said "We fear that this is an emerging scam and would urge people to be vigilant.
"The retailers of such cards should also be vigilant and commended for previous actions preventing the scam by highlighting concerns when elderly persons attempted to purchase high value amounts of gift cards.
"Please remember, If you are NOT purchasing an item from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or an Apple Music membership, do not make a payment with iTunes Gift Cards.
"There's no other instance in which you'll be asked to make a payment with an iTunes Gift Card.
"If you fear you have been a victim of this scam or any other scam for that matter, please pick up the phone and call Gardaí".
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