IRELAND HAS SEEN a large number of scam calls since the start of the pandemic, particularly over recent months.

These come in many shapes and forms, but one tactic being used is “neighbour spoofing”.

When it happens, the scammer clones an Irish phone number to make the call seem more trustworthy and rings a person with a number very similar to the one that’s been cloned.

Many people have received calls from numbers that share the first six digits of their own number.

Gardaí advise people to hang up and to never transfer money or share personal information.

Today, we’re asking you: Have you received a scam call from a phone number similar to yours in 2021?

Poll Results:

Yes, multiple times (9114)

No, but I've received other scam calls (2203)

Yes, only once (794)

No, I haven't received any scam calls this year (388)

I don't know / I can't remember (141)

Yes, multiple times
Yes, only once
I don't know / I can't remember
No, but I've received other scam calls
No, I haven't received any scam calls this year

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Poll: Have you received a scam call from a phone number similar to yours?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Leave a commentcancel