The Department of Finance has reminded people that it never contacts members of the public offering refunds. It was forced to issue a statement after a spate of fraudulent phone calls from criminals claiming to represent the department.
The callers seek personal information from taxpayers in connection with a refund of up to €2,000. The recipients are told they are due a €2,000 refund but will need to deposit €250 in lieu of tax due.
The victim is then asked for some personal details including their date of birth and bank account details.
“These calls are not coming from the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance never contacts members of the public in relation to payments or refunds,” the statement said.
Anyone who has provided bank details in response to such calls has been told to contact their bank or credit card company immediately.