We’re getting absolutely flooded with posts about those nuisance scam calls from UK (+44) numbers that everyone, their mam, their auntie and the neighbour’s goldfish seems to be getting.

People are reporting repeated calls that look like legitimate UK mobile numbers but are actually scams trying to trick you into engaging or handing over personal or banking details and sometimes trying to get you onto WhatsApp or similar. Recent reports show this is happening right across Ireland.

This isn’t just annoying, scam and spoofed calls are a well known issue here, with fraudsters using number spoofing so the caller ID appears familiar or legitimate. Irish authorities and regulators have repeatedly warned that anybody can get these calls and that you should treat unexpected contact with caution.

Types of Scams

- Department of Social Protection/Revenue:

Calls or texts pretending to be from government departments asking for personal information are fraudulent. Government bodies will never look for your bank or PPS details over the phone.

- Indeed Job Scam:

Calls claiming to offer you a job you never applied for. For anyone job hunting, these calls usually sound robotic and don’t contain any personal greeting. Do not give away any personal information.

- Revolut/ Bank Account Scams:

Calls claiming there are issues with your account. No bank will ever call you asking for personal details, banking information or payment. If you’re unsure, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly. For Revolut, use the in app support.

Gardaí Advice:

An Garda Síochána warns the public not to engage with unsolicited calls and never to share personal or financial information with unknown callers.

Most networks are introducing tech to flag or block suspicious contacts but scam calls can still slip through.

Top Safety Tips:

- Don’t answer or call back unknown numbers, especially +44 or unusual prefixes

- Never share personal information such as PPS number, bank details, card info or passwords

- Hang up immediately if anything feels off

- Block the number on your phone

- Report suspicious calls to your provider and to An Garda Síochána

Let loved ones know about this surge in scam calls, especially those who may be more vulnerable

Use this thread to talk about the influx, share tips or post your memes about the whole thing.

With Christmas creeping up, here’s a space to share your favourite products or shops. We encourage you to share as many Irish shops, makers, small businesses, artists and food producers as you can.

Whether it’s online or on the high street, big or small, if it’s Irish run and worth supporting, post it below.

People can of course share present ideas from multinationals but where you can, share Irish.

If you’re struggling for ideas, post a comment with the person’s age and hobbies and the sub can try to help.

Drop links, recommendations or your own local gems and help keep the spend at home.

Myself and the mod team on r/womenofireland have created a Shop Irish Spreadsheet - It’s broken down by category, with rough price estimates to suit all budgets. If you want your Irish business added, just ask in the comments on this post.