EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT, CULTURAL OFFICE

We wish to bring your attention to the scam calls that have been flooding Ireland’s mobile phone networks. You may have received a call or message coming from an Irish mobile (083,087, 085) or landline number carrying warnings about compromised PPS numbers and imminent arrests. There has also been an increase in fake text messages from delivery companies, as well as emails urging people to follow links to seemingly official websites. The messages vary slightly and change regularly. Sometimes the voices on the other end of the line claim to be from the Department of Social Protection or the Office of the Attorney General. Sometimes they claim to be Garda or Revenue. The telephone numbers change almost every single minute, but the purpose is always the same – to steal money and compromise personal information. Some examples of the scams are as follows:
WhatsApp

This scam starts off by sending a WhatsApp message that says: "Hi Mum, my phone isn't working, please can you phone and text me on this number."
The scammers then go on to ask the unknowing parent to hand over bank details and make a payment for them.

Revolut

Scammers are reportedly calling people’s phones pretending to be from Eir’s technical support team and are telling customers their internet needs to be upgraded.
They are then requesting the customers to download an app called TeamViewer onto their phones, through which they can take over the device.
They will then ask for your bank details - attached to your Eir account - and a copy of your driver’s licence to prove your identity.
If a person does this, the scammers download the Revolut app and transfer money from their bank account as payment.
If you receive a call from somebody claiming to be from Eir or any other company and they're requesting your bank account details and telling you to install something on your phone or on your computer, you should terminate the call straight away.

AIB

Please be aware that AIB will never send customers a text message containing a link to a website.
An example scam message might read as: "AIB: A login attempt was made from Location: Manchester, GB. If this was NOT you, please follow the steps here: aib-online-alert.com."
If you receive any text messages with a link it is best to just delete them.

Bank of Ireland

In the Bank of Ireland text, recipients are urged to recover their account by visiting a link provided "urgently".
Remember Bank of Ireland will not send a text containing a link.
Never click on these links and never provide your personal details. Always ignore and delete any texts of this nature.

We urge you to remain vigilant against potential phone and email scams. If you believe you may have fallen victim to this scam, contact your financial institution and report the matter to your local Garda station.
How to stay safe:

If you receive a phone call from a number associated with an organisation that you feel could be a scam, hang up immediately.
Do not engage, do not press 1 and do not follow links or instructions.
Be wary of multiple calls or missed calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Do not download anything or allow remote access software. You can check the legitimacy of the call by making direct contact with the organisation by finding a publicly-advertised number.
If you call one back by mistake, hang up immediately on calls if no one answers, or if you are left on hold.
Never give personal information to a unknown caller. Ever.
No bank, government authority or any other agency or reputable business will call you looking for bank details or your PPS number.
If you get a call from Sierra Leone or Cuba and you don’t know anyone living there, don’t call back. It is a scam.
If you get a message telling you the Garda are on their way to arrest you, it is a scam.

Online Rental Scam Alert
We wish to bring your attention to incidences of online rental scams which are currently targeting those seeking to rent accommodation. We advise anyone looking to rent accommodation to exercise caution and not to rush into a decision, particularly if you have doubts. While rental scams occur throughout the year there is a spike due to the current number of 3rd level students seeking accommodation. The scams fall into three broad categories:

The scammer claims to be out of the country and can’t show you the property and requests a deposit.
The scammer is living at the property and shows a number of people around, gets a deposit from several people and disappears with the money.
The transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.

What to do

Be aware of offers that appear to be too good to be true, even on legitimate rental accommodation platforms – If the rent seems like a bargain, do more research.

Check on rental rates for similar properties in the same location.
Use Google Maps to verify the existence and address of a property.
Check to see if the tenancy is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) by checking this website: Register a Tenancy

How to stay safe

Never agree to rent a property through a website or social media. You need to visit the property and ensure it is a genuine let. You need to be happy with the property and the terms and conditions of the letting. Remember, scammers often copy photos, addresses and other information from various rental listings and then use this information to put up a fake listing.
Be very wary of social media advertisements or where a person letting the location will only communicate via messenger or WhatsApp.
Ideally only do business with established and legitimate rental agencies.Websites can be cloned, check the URL to ensure it’s a real website and take note of the privacy and refund policy sections.
Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.
Ask for identification, a driver’s licence or photo identification of landlord or letting agent. etc. (Take a photo of the document on your phone)
Never hand over cash, as cash is untraceable and be used immediately.
Never transfer funds via Western Union or other Electronic Fund Transfer services to someone claiming to be an agent or landlord for a prospective property. Use a credit card or bank transfer to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence.
Pay the deposit directly to the Landlord and not the persons leaving the property/ courier other person.
Ensure keys fit, open door lock and sign rental contract, prior to payment of deposit.

Who to contact

If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam or fraud and have given someone your bank or card details contact your bank immediately so they can advise you and if necessary put a hold on your account, cancel your cards or carry out additional security when issuing payments and transfers from your account.
You should also contact your local Garda station.
If you are suspicious about any aspect of the arrangement call Threshold on 1800 454 454 for advice.

Keeping Safe
We wish to bring your attention to some simple steps that can keep you safe whilst you are studying in Ireland. Studying abroad is a unique experience for every international student but one must still be vigilant and aware of possible risks that one might face in another country. To make the most out of your time here and keep safe, keep these simple tips on the top of your mind:

Do not walk alone at night. Walk in numbers.
When at all possible, stick to busy streets with lots of lighting and traffic. Do not take dodgy shortcuts.
Try to avoid talking on your mobile or listening to music, as either will make you less aware of your surroundings and also advertise that you have something worth stealing.
If you think you’re being followed, go to somewhere busy and flag down a taxi.
Always make sure someone knows when you’re going out, if and when you’re coming back, and whom you’ll be with. When you’re on your way home, let someone know when to expect you.
Only use licensed taxis. Take note of the taxi license number and key it into your phone or text it to a friend. When you arrive at your destination ask the driver to wait until you get inside the door before leaving again.
Do not leave keys to your home in an easily accessible or guessable place. Everyone knows to look on top of the door frame, or under the mat, potted plant or just inside the letterbox.
Always be aware of who’s around you when you go to an ATM. Do not use ATMs at night on isolated streets – always choose those with good lighting.
Don’t be afraid to act assertively if you are uncomfortable or if you think someone is acting inappropriately.
When you’re walking: avoid while out walking alone, if possible, heavily overgrown areas, alleys and little traveled side streets. Be alert to your surroundings.
If you find someone staring at you, do not engage in eye contact with them.
Do not carry large amounts of cash and only take small notes

Always keep a list of emergency contacts readily available. This will come in handy in any unforeseen situation.

Emergency contacts

Emergency Garda (Police) assistance; ambulance, fire brigade: 999 or 112
Store Street Garda (Police) Station, Dublin city centre: 00 353 (1) 666 8000
Pearse Street Garda Garda (Police) Station, Dublin city centre: 00 353 (1) 666 9000
Limerick Henry Street Garda station: +353 61 212 400
Cork Anglesea Garda Station: +353214522000
Galway Mill Street Garda station: +35391538000

Although these safety tips are sure to help you during your stay in Ireland, remember that following your gut and common sense in different types of situations is still the best tip you can follow. If you need any help or assistance, feel free to reach out to the Kuwait Cultural Office.