Gardaí are warning the public to be vigilant against a new phone scam in which fraudsters claim to be calling from utility companies on the suggesting to the people that there are issues with the their computer and broadband service.

People are being informed that their computer and broadband connection needs to be fixed. Gardaí state that the caller will request  to take remote control of your computer to “assist” you.

Gardaí have said that the callers are professional and sound credible and genuine which has been leading to people being tricked into revealing their bank details in order to fix the false computer issues.

Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau gave the following advice

“If you have received a suspicious call, hang up and phone the company the person is purporting to be from directly yourself. Do not use a number given to you by the caller and make sure you hear a dial tone before making the call. If you are concerned that you may have fallen victim to a scam contact your local Garda Station and also your bank.”