Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 547: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda investigations into PIPS, a bogus investment scheme, are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25048/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An Garda Síochána continues to investigate complaints from members of the public as they arise relating to the operation of bogus investment schemes such as PIPS which may involve fraudulent withdrawals from persons' bank accounts, offences which are committed using a technique known as "phishing". This is 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 continues to work with the banking industry to counteract the 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.

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.

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, Energy 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.