Over €10,000 in total was taken from victims in just three incidents.

The statement follows a number of messages circulating in the community claiming water supplies in the county had been contaminated.

A total of €40,000 was sent to scammers in recent weeks by victims.

Two separate incidents were reported to Gardaí in Longford and Roscommon last week.

The bank have closed the case.

Shoppers are being urged to only use trusted sites.

Judge Johnson warned firms that if companies get emails about bank accounts, they need to ring their creditors before transferring any money

Gardaí in Athlone are issuing the warning to the public following reports from those who have been targeted locally.