An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly warn of 'devastating' online scams

An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly are urging the public to be extra vigilant as reports of online scams continue to rise, with victims suffering what Gardaí describe as “devastating” emotional and financial losses.

In a heartfelt message, Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Graham Kavanagh said he has seen a sharp increase in the number of people caught out by increasingly sophisticated scams.

“Over the last while, I’ve been hearing more and more heartbreaking stories from people who’ve been caught out by online scams and have lost serious amounts of money,” he said.

“You can see the shock and the upset in them, people are devastated, and it feels very similar to grief. It hits hard.”

Sergeant Kavanagh emphasised that while Gardaí will always investigate and support victims, the best protection is prevention.

“We will always do our best to investigate and support anyone affected, but the most effective protection happens before the money is gone,” he said.

He urged everyone to pause and think before responding to unexpected calls, texts, emails, or messages, no matter how convincing they may seem.

“If you get a call, text, email, or message out of the blue, don’t act straight away. Take a moment. Ask a neighbour, a family member, or a friend. Or call into or ring us at your local Garda station. Getting a second or even a third opinion can prevent a lot of hurt and heartbreak.”

The message concludes with a simple but powerful appeal: “Please look out for each other, sometimes that extra minute of caution is all it takes to stop a life-changing loss.”

Gardaí are reminding the public that legitimate organisations will never pressure individuals into sharing personal or banking information.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a scam should contact their local Garda station immediately and report suspicious messages or calls to www.garda.ie