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Scam
ESB and RTÉ warn public about premium line phone numbers
Google ads is being used to advertise false contact numbers for the bodies.
RTÉ AND ESB have both issued warnings about privately-operated premium phone line operators trying to mislead the public.
The scam is using Google ads to trick members of the public into using their phone numbers to contact the broadcaster and the electricity supplier’s customer contact centre.
“This may potentially result in high phone charges for anyone who uses these numbers,” RTÉ and ESB said in separate statements, reiterating that the ads in question were not legitimate.
RTÉ has tried to contact the company involved to remove all references to the broadcaster. Google has also been notified.
ESB said it has done the same. Gardaí, the National Consumer Agency and the communications watchdog ComReg have also been told about the situation.
Anyone who wishes to contact RTÉ should email info@rte.ie or call 01 208 3111. Customers who want to reach ESB can call Electric Ireland’s customers service on 1850 372 372 or the ESB Networks Customers Service on 1850 372 757.
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