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Midlands Gardaí Warning Of New 'Grandparent' Text Scam

Wednesday, 22 December 2021 07:11

You can read what it entails here.

Gardaí are warning residents in the midlands of a new text scam, know as the 'grandparent scam'. 

It involves a random text message being sent, claiming to be from a family member who needs money or are in some sort of trouble that needs to be kept a secret. 

Here's what to look out for...

The person sending the text message will pretend to be:

  • A family member (son/ daughter/ sibling/ grandchild) who has lost their phone and is making contact on a new phone number.
  • They are usually based in a foreign jurisdiction.
  • The fraudulent text will state they require urgent financial assistance, for example to pay an urgent medical bill or fine.
  • The victim of this fraud will then make a direct payment to the fraudster’s account.
  • An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be wary of unsolicited text messages from unknown numbers.
  • Do not volunteer information as fraudsters are known to ‘fish’ for facts which they then use to make themselves sound more credible.
  • Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
  • Verify the person’s identity – ask questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer; call a family member to verify if someone is operating under a different number even if you have been told to keep the story a secret.
  • Do not send cash, gift cards or money transfers – once the fraudster receives the money, it’s gone.
  • Trust your instincts.

The fraudster can also be made via social media platforms using fake profiles.

 

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