People in the Shannonside Region are being warned of a new type of financial text scam following a close call in Longford.
Earlier this week a Longford Resident received a text from an unknown number with the message saying 'hey mam, my phone is not working , save this number and use on Whatsapp'.
The texter, pretending to be the victim's daughter, continued the conversation for a number of texts before requesting help paying an urgent bill online.
After providing bank details, €2,100 was transferred to the scammer, posing as the victim's child, through a local Credit Union.
The injured party realised the issue shortly afterwards when she contacted her daughter and discovered she had not been the one on contact.
Following emergency contact with the Credit Union, the transfer was stopped and the money was saved.
Crime Prevention Officer with Roscommon Longford Gardaí Damian Bartley has this advice for people when it comes to dealing with scam texts:
''Stop, think, call, if a family member or friend makes an unusual request on text or WhatsApp always call the person and confirm their identity. Does the message sound like a family member? Look at the tone and language they've used in the messages. If you're still in doubt ask a question only your family member could answer.''
