Ms Deborah Kilbride(AIB Financial Crime Prevention team) posts reminder to customers this Christmas.
As we head into the festive season and 2024 draws to a close, we are urging customers to remain vigilant against fraud as it can affect any of us at any time. Criminal activity continues even during the festive season. We want to alert you to common scams that have been prevalent this year. We all lead busy lives, and it just takes a second to get caught off guard and fall for a scam. Here is some information and ways to avoid being scammed.
Text message fraud.
Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from reputable banks, delivery or utility companies and government departments are common. Take a moment and ask yourself does this seem legitimate? Don’t click the link in the text message or share your personal or financial information. Often these messages are followed by a phone call claiming to be us, sometimes even using our actual phone number. End the call immediately. We will never call you and request security codes sent by text message, push messages or from your card reader. We will never send a taxi or courier to collect your physical card, PIN or any security details.
Phone call fraud.
Fraudsters often use phone calls to get your personal and financial information for their own financial gain. They may pretend to be from a legitimate company and may even display a genuine phone number. Common tricks used on these calls is to offer to fix an issue with your broadband or offer a refund. They may try to take control of your device. Never download software or apps, that they suggest, onto your computer or mobile phone as this will allow fraudsters access to your information. End any unexpected calls. Call the company back on a known and trusted number to verify the call.
Investment fraud.
Investment frauds and scams are on the rise, with criminals using social media to advertise highly profitable investments. These ads often use advanced technology to appear legitimate. Always ask yourself, is this too good to be true? Such high return investments are usually not genuine. Before investing your money take some time to research the provider, verify their existence and that they are regulated and always seek independent financial advice.
Purchase scams.
Online shopping is convenient and popular, especially at Christmas time, but criminals can clone genuine websites to offer fake discounts to target unsuspecting customers. This can happen with any site, including clothing, homewares, or heavy goods vehicles such as diggers, campervans and boats. These cloned sites often look and feel genuine. When shopping online, check for a padlock symbol in the address bar, research the site for negative reviews, and verify contact details. Avoid direct bank transfers. Ask yourself, is this price too good to be true?
Money mules
Being a money mule is a criminal offence. Criminals use others’ accounts to transfer stolen money to conceal their crime. They can trick anyone into using their accounts. Without access to your account, criminals will not be successful. They may approach you online, in person, on social media or through fake job adverts asking to move money through your accounts or to open a bank account in your name for them. They may even offer you some money as payment. This use of your account, even if you don’t know where the money has come from or is going to, means you are becoming a money mule. This may result in your bank account being closed or a criminal conviction for money laundering. Parents should also be aware that teenagers and young adults are often targeted by criminals, with the promise of quick cash so sharing this information with family members can also be helpful.
For more information on the latest frauds and scams visit the security centre on the AIB website.
A reminder to all our Thurles readers, on Saturday next, October 19th, 2024, a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment[ WEEE ] authorised collection point will be located at Mid Tipp Co-Op Mart, Ballycarrane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary [Eircode E41 V974] from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
A weee collection will also be located at Cahir Co-Op Mart, Cashel Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, [Eircode E21 HC78] on Sat 2nd Nov 2024, from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
As most readers by now are aware, this service is totally free. But do remember, WEEE material is mostly anything with a plug normally attached. They will accept: TVs and their Aerials, Radios, Microwaves, IT Equipment, Printers, Dishwashers, Cookers, Fridges, Freezers, Power Tools, Vacuum Cleaners, Battery Operated Toys, Electric Toothbrushes, Kettles, Toasters, Batteries, Energy Saving Lightbulbs and other associated items.
Check your sheds and garages and rid yourself of unwanted and untidy clutter.
Motorists travelling into Thurles from the west side of town tomorrow morning, e.g. parents dropping students into the various educational facilities in the Town, please take note.
On Friday last, September 20th 2024, per the Tipperary County Council website, an announcement was posted stating that there will be Temporary Traffic Management on Abbey Road Thurles, Co.Tipperary (R-660).
The road hazard type is described as “Road Works”.
Interesting that, since this road was only upgraded just 3 years ago, (August 19th, 2021 viewHere) with funding of €75,000 allocated to erect a basic road roundabout, which is constantly struck by heavy traffic, resulting in motorway signs being replaced, (Following month September 29th, 2021, view Here).
Do you think one of that workforces employees might oblige by dropping up to Kickham Street, armed with a shovel, to unblock a drain?
From yesterday, Monday 20th May, e-scooters will be legal to use and operate on a public road, under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, however, it should be noted that the following rules and restrictions will apply.
E-scooters can only be used:
by people over 16 years of age.
on cycle and bus lanes.
on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted:
to be used by people under 16 years-of-age.
to carry goods or passengers.
to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
to exceed a speed limit of 20 km/h.
Note: An Garda Síochána will be enforcing the new rules and regulations with regards same vehicles.
Q. What is an e-scooter? A. An electric scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels, propelled by an electric motor. The rider may also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing.
Q. When do the new laws for e-scooters come into force? A. The regulations for e-scooters came into force yesterday, Monday May 20th 2024.
Q. Are e-scooters legal in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooters are legal to use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
Q. What is the minimum age limit for e-scooter users? A. E-scooter users must be aged 16 years or older. Gardai will have the power to seize an e-scooter if it’s being used by anyone under the age of 16 years.
Q. Do I need to register, tax, or insure my e-scooter? A. No.
Q. Do I need a licence to use my e-scooter in a public place? A. No.
Q. What are the rules for using e-scooters in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooter users must:
Drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes.
Be 16 or older.
Obey the rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
Not carry passengers or goods.
Not use the footpath.
Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
Not hold or use a mobile phone.
Q. What are the technical specifications for e-scooters? A. E-scooters must:
Have a maximum power output of 400 watts or less.
Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
Q. What if my e-scooter doesn’t meet the technical requirements in the regulations? A. If your e-scooter doesn’t meet the current legislative requirements, it will remain illegal for you to use it in a public place. Same will be subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochana and may be seized.
Q. Can I carry a passenger on an e-scooter? A.No. It’s illegal and unsafe for you to carry a passenger on an e-scooter and a fixed charge noticewill apply if you’re caught.
Q. What rules apply for e-scooters for alcohol/drugs? A. An e-scooter may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-scooter user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2,000.
Q. What are the rules governing the use of e-scooters in public places? A. From 20 May, E-scooters can be used: • by people over 16. • on cycle and bus lanes. • on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted: • to be used by people under 16. • to carry goods or passengers. • to have a seat. • to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-scooters are not permitted either.
Rules that govern bicycle use, also now apply to the use of e-scooters.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced the launch of its new ‘Learning Portal’, latter an easy-to-navigate digital platform designed to consolidate best-in-class compliance training content and resources on food safety and hygiene. The introduction of this new desktop and mobile compatible learning portal aims to strengthen adherence with food safety legal requirements and supplement the food safety training provided by food businesses to their staff.
The new learning portal, now available to more than 51,000 food businesses, is free to use and offers a wealth of specialised content to assist users in keeping up to date with the latest food safety requirements. The learning portal’s materials can be easily incorporated into food safety courses, staff meetings, or used for self-learning, allowing learners to study at their own pace and convenience. It was developed to assist in building compliance by food businesses and it includes eLearning modules, webinars, short videos, and explanatory materials covering a broad range of relevant topics.
Welcoming the new learning resource, Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI said: “The launch of the ‘Learning Portal’ underscores our commitment to ensuring the highest level of food safety standards are achieved across Ireland. It is imperative that all food businesses recognise the importance of food safety training and the consequences if their staff are not properly trained. Untrained staff can lead to serious non-compliances, which can put consumers’ health at risk. It is the food business’s legal requirement to ensure the food they are producing, selling or distributing is safe to eat. We believe ongoing training and development is an essential component of every food business. I strongly encourage all food businesses across the country to avail of this free resource to assist in creating an ongoing positive culture of food safety compliance in their business”.
The primary content areas of focus include: Food Safety Culture: This module provides guidance on how to develop and maintain an appropriate food safety culture in a food business, in order to be able to demonstrate this to inspectors and customers. Food safety is legally required to be placed at the core of every food business.
Food Safety Controls in Ireland: This module outlines the role of the FSAI and other official agencies responsible for supervising food businesses in Ireland. It also provides training and information around the latest resources and supports available to food businesses to ensure the highest standards in operational food practices.
Why Food Safety Matters: A module designed to highlight and create understanding around the importance of food safety in protecting the public health and the risks associated with non-compliance.
Product Recall: In line with the latest Irish and EU legislation this topic includes easy to understand short videos outlining what steps need to be taken in the case of a product recall.
The FSAI calls on all food businesses and relevant food professionals to access the new ‘Learning Portal’ and take advantage of its valuable resources to enhance food safety practices across the country.
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