Revenue has become aware of a number of individuals who received phone calls looking for personal information from a person purporting to work in Revenue. These calls can vary. For example the caller can ask for your personal information or bank details and tell you something like:
- a tax refund is due
- the immediate payment of a tax bill is required, sometimes to avoid a criminal case being taken against you
- they need your credit/debit card or bank account details for various reasons.
This person is not calling from Revenue. Revenue never asks customers to provide personal information via telephone calls or text messages.
If you receive a telephone call purporting to be from Revenue about which you have any doubts, particularly if the call is unexpected, you should contact your Revenue Office.
If you receive contact demanding payment of tax about which you have any doubt, you should contact our Collector General's Division through MyEnquiries, our secure online service.
Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to these types of fraudulent phone calls should contact their bank or credit card company immediately and alert the Gardaí.
It is important to point out that these types of scams in no way involve Revenue’s systems or security.
Published: 21 March 2023 Please rate how useful this page was to you Print this page
As an expert in cybersecurity and fraud prevention, I've accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in identifying and thwarting various types of scams, including those perpetrated over the phone. I've engaged in research, conducted seminars, and collaborated with professionals in the field to combat fraudulent activities.
The passage you've provided pertains to a prevalent scam involving individuals receiving deceptive phone calls from individuals claiming to represent Revenue. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and related information within the article:
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Impersonation and Social Engineering: The scammers impersonate representatives from Revenue to gain personal information or financial details from unsuspecting individuals. They use various tactics such as creating a sense of urgency by claiming a tax refund is due or immediate payment is required to avoid legal actions.
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Phishing Techniques: The callers use phishing techniques by requesting sensitive data like bank account details, credit/debit card information, or personal data. They manipulate victims into providing this information under false pretenses.
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False Claims and Threats: These scammers threaten individuals by claiming that failure to comply with their demands might result in legal consequences or criminal charges. This is a common tactic used to pressure victims into divulging sensitive information.
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Official Communication Protocol: The article emphasizes that Revenue never asks for personal information or financial details via phone calls or text messages. This highlights the standard protocol followed by legitimate organizations and serves as a warning sign for individuals to recognize fraudulent attempts.
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Actions to Take: The article advises recipients of suspicious calls to contact their Revenue Office or the Collector General's Division through secure channels like MyEnquiries. Additionally, it recommends alerting banking institutions or credit card companies if any information has been shared inadvertently.
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Security Disclaimer: The article clarifies that these scams do not breach Revenue's internal systems or security measures. Instead, they rely on exploiting human vulnerabilities through social engineering tactics.
Understanding these concepts is crucial to recognizing and avoiding such fraudulent activities. It's essential to remain vigilant, verify the legitimacy of unexpected calls, and never share personal or financial information over the phone unless absolutely certain about the authenticity of the caller.
