WhatsApp users have been warned to keep an eye out for scammers using a devious trick to steal money from worried parents and grandparents.
Fraudsters impersonating a loved one will send messages on the texting app asking for money while claiming to be in distress.
They say they are using a "temporary number" because their phone stopped working.
Read more: Dublin locals warned after scammers go door to door asking for money for fake fun run
Then they either ask for money or a picture of the front and back of the person's bank card to buy a new phone.
One person on Twitter said they got WhatsApp messages from a person impersonating her daughter.
She added: "Research was done as they used 'mam' which is what my kids call me."
Gardai have issued the following tips to protect yourself from these types of online scam:
• Never send money to a third party unless you can trust their bona fides.
• Be wary of unsolicited contacts or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions.
• Be wary when the avenues for contacting the other party are limited.
• Push for direct answers and if responses are vague disengage immediately.
• Never give personal, financial or security information to persons who are unknown to you.
• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
• Do your research and accept nothing as fact until you have satisfied yourself that it is genuine.
Read more: Gardai report huge spike in romance scams as fraudsters steal thousands of euros
Read more: Strong Passwords and other tips to keep children safe on Safer Internet Day 2022
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
