I was made aware a couple of nights ago of a scam that has been going around now for a while. The calls are targeted at 087 numbers, regardless of who your operator is.
I recieved a phone on Sunday night last from a number which I didn’t recognise and had the location of Slovenia writter on my screen. Like anyone else, I answered but the call only lasted for a few seconds. I didn’t hear anything on the other end. I thought nothing more of it after it happened.
On Wednesday night, my dad showed me a Facebook post that Mountjoy Garda Station Community Policing Officer – Sheryl Woulfe had released stating that if the call was answered or returned, that the person (ie, you) would be “charged as much as €150”.
The first thing that I did after reading this statement, was to check my Vodafone online bill. Luckily, there was no charge for the call listed on the acountg, but I am keeping a close eye o it for now until I recieve the next bill in the post.
So, if you do get call from Slovenia…Just reject the call and contact the Garda with the number, so they can deal with it.
Just please, do be careful on who you accept calls from…especially Witheld numbers (Unless you know someone that has a witheld number and rings you)
EDIT: Here is the full statement released by Sheryl Woulfe:
Hi to all, I wish to let you know that reports have been received that a telephone scam is operating and targeting any mobile number with the prefix ‘087’ irrespective of your telephone provider.
If you receive a telephone call from ‘0038681897022’ (last two digits can vary), please do not ANSWER or RETURN this call as you may be charged as much as €150. This is a premium number hence the large calling fee. It is believed that this scam originates in Slovenia.
Please inform your staff, family and friends to be aware of any such calls and not to respond to any call in any way.Regards,
Garda Sheryl Woulfe,
Community Policing Office,
Mountjoy Garda Station.
