Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
Fraud

Concern over use of garda logo in online fraud

An IT support company has said that there has been a surge in scams using the logo over the last year.

AN IT SUPPORT company has expressed concern about the misuse of the Garda Síochana logo in online fraud in Ireland.

Smarttech said today that, over the past year, it has become aware of a “surge” in the number of reports of computer-based scams involving the use of the garda logo in an attempt to extract money from people.

The type of cyber fraud being reported is known as ‘ransomware’ which originated in eastern Europe in 2005. The most prevalent example of this is where victim’s software is infected with the ‘ransomware’ and presented with the logo of An Garda Síochána. The message underneath the logo tells the user ‘Your computer has been locked!’ and claims that a fine needs to be paid to avoid legal action.

These threats were highlighted by gardaí in 2012 but Smarttech has now called on them to create a social media campaign informing people of this scam.

“A social media campaign by the gardaí could go a long way in decreasing the number of attacks taking place,” Ronan Murphy, CEO of the company said. “When people are informed and aware they are much less likely to get taken in.”

In response to a query from TheJournal.ie, gardaí said that there is “extensive advice” on their website on this issue and anyone who has been a victim of such crime should report it to their local garda station.

Murphy advised that anyone facing one of these ‘ransomware’ attacks should not pay the fine and have their PC repaired by a reputable repair person.

Read: As many as 300 people have lost money due to phishing email scams this year>

Read: Cyber attacks lead to €64 million stolen from banks>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
39
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.