In challenging and uncertain times, there is always those who look to take advatage in an illegal way. Be alert to fraud or scams online, text messages or people call to your door.

Gardai around the country are urging people to beware of a significant increase in the number of scams attempting to use the coronavirus crisis to trick unsuspecting members of the public into providing bank and financial details.

Some of the scams which to be aware of and avoid are :

• Suspicious emails or texts asking for personal details or linking to fake websites
• Fraudulent WhatsApp messages offering “banking advice”
• Suspicious social media posts linking back to fake websites
• Requests to dial high costs phone lines operating as advice centres
• Calls from fake medical or charitable organisations asking for urgent money transfers

Furthermore, we ask all to check out fraudsmart.ie for measures you can take and further information around frauds and scams. More often than not, if the deal looks too good, it normally is not good for you. As fraudsmart.ie say, Be Informed, Be Alert, Be Secure.

Closer to home, you can also check out this piece in the Connaught Telegraph: Gardai Issue Public Warning of Fraud

So if you are unsure about the safety or authenticity of an email from First Choice Credit Union, please get in touch with us on (094) 9022969 or email info@fccu.ie for clarification.