A WOMAN from Co Limerick fell victim to a WhatsApp scam this week after receiving a message that she believed was from her daughter.
The message read: “Hi Mum, I’m after losing my phone and can only be contacted on this number, will you please save it”.
According to divisional crime prevention officer, Sgt Ber Leetch: “The lady believed that this message was from her daughter who was in London for the weekend, and so replied to the number. The lady exchanged a number of messages, all the time believing that this was her daughter.
“After a few messages, the lady received one that stated that a bill needed to be paid urgently. The amount was for just over €1,500 and the bank account details for the money to be transferred to were provided. It was when another request came in asking for a second amount to be transferred that the lady became suspicious.”
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
When the woman called her daughter’s mobile number, she discovered that all was well, and she had never requested any money to be transferred.
Sgt Leetch continued: “I do not understand how the criminals managed to do this but, they set up a sense of great urgency and the poor Mom reacted like most parents would. The criminals’ bank account is in Madrid, Spain and gardaí in Roxboro are investigating, but I am highlighting this to show that we cannot be suspicious enough when it comes to handing over our money, pause and think about what you are about to do.”