A former Mayor of Galway City is calling on the public to beware of the Wangiri or Ring Once scam, where people receive calls "at all times of the day and night".
Labour Galway City West councillor, Niall McNelis, has raised concerns about a phone scam with An Garda Síochána, following a number of Galwegians being affected by it.
"The scam, commonly known as the Wangiri fraud, sees fraudsters ring your phone just once and then hang up," he said. "A common reaction is to call back the missed number, but if you do, you will be re-routed to a premium rate number overseas, and be subsequently billed exorbitant sums to listen to pre record messages."
Cllr McNelis said it was "important that those not on social media or technically astute" are made aware of the scam. He is advising people who receive a call from an international number they do not recognise, should not return the call.
"As the Garda have said, if it is important or legitimate the caller will either ring back or leave a message," he said, and advised those with concerns to contact their local Garda Crime prevention officer.
