Local Gardaí warn of Revenue text message scam

An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly have warned the public, after discovering a new text scam claiming to be from Revenue.

In a statement online, the Gardaí highlighted a message which read “REVENUE: Pre-approved 2024 tax credit repayment cannot be processed”.

"That’s not Revenue texting you – it’s a scam artist with a keyboard and too much time on their hands!

"This gem landed in someone's inbox, followed by a dodgy link that screams 'I’m fake!' louder than a seagull stealing chips at the beach."

An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly asked people to remain vigilant, and aware that Revenue will never send text messages to verify your information using links.

"If you click that link, you won’t get a tax refund. you’ll get a headache, identity theft, and possibly a surprise loan in your name," they said.

Crime Prevention Top Tips:

1. Delete the message. Don’t reply. Don’t click. Don’t engage.

2. Report it to the National Cyber Security Centre or forward it to 50588.

3. Warn your friends and family, especially those who may not be as tech-savvy.

4. When in doubt, check it out – go to the official Revenue website or call them directly.

Stay sharp, stay safe, and remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably came from a scammer.