Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to fraudulent Internet schemes such as PIPS; the mechanisms in place to address such abuse of the Internet; the need for cross-Department co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12842/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been advised by the Garda Authorities that to date, a total of 15 complaints have been received at Kells Garda Station in relation to the operation of a People in Profit System (PIPS). The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is assisting in the investigation of these complaints. Gardai have made enquiries with the Malaysian Authorities and are awaiting a response.

An Garda Síochána has received in excess of 25 complaints from members of the public relating to fraudulent withdrawals from their bank accounts, offences which are committed using a technique known as "phishing", a term used to describe the theft or attempted theft of personal information using e-mail and bogus web sites. It is a relatively recent phenomenon.

An Garda Síochána is working with the Banking Industry to counteract this phenomenon. All the Banks offering on-line banking services have posted warning notices on their websites to the effect that this activity is occurring and that members of the public should not respond to any request relating to their personal banking security details.

A High-Tech Crime forum has been established with all relevant stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Financial Services Industry and the Banking Sector. This Forum facilitates the rapid dissemination of information related to "phishing" and other methods being used to compromise banking services. Victims of "phishing" are advised by An Garda Síochána and the industry to report any such activity immediately to An Garda Síochána for investigation. Every assistance to recover monies is given by An Garda Síochána to injured parties and their representatives.

Garda investigations to date have resulted in a number of persons being prosecuted for theft offences related to "phishing" incidents in which the proceeds of fraudulent withdrawals have been transferred to an apparently legitimate account which has been used to facilitate the withdrawal of the stolen funds. A number of other similar investigations are ongoing.

An Garda Síochána, through the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, has participated in a number of initiatives by various Government Departments and the Financial Institutions which have as their primary aim the raising of public awareness of this type of criminality. These include:

A website entitled 'Safecard', which was launched in partnership with the Irish Payment Services Organisation. This website addresses many issues around payment card fraud, in particular the issue of identity theft. The Garda website (www.garda.ie) also provides advice to members of the public on how to avoid this type of criminal activity.

The 'MakeITSecure' Programme, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources which, inter alia, produced advice booklets including one on identity theft, for the public and which have been distributed to every Garda Station.