Gardai warn about phone scam: Don't answer if 'Ascension Island' number comes up on your handset

GARDAI have warned the public to be aware of a major phone scam that is ripping off unsuspecting victims.

The crooks involved are ringing people who hear distressed screaming or shouting in the background when they answer.

The number begins with the digits +2475134... and is purportedly on Ascension Island off the cost of Africa which is 7,000km from Ireland.

The victim is often duped into being curious or concerned about about what is happening on the other line and calls back the number.

However the call can then rapidly gobble up the victim’s phone top-up credit or slap on a large bill to the phone.

Gardaí have urged people not to answer any call that starts with the digits +247 and if it is answered in error, hang-up immediately.