Fake Facebook friend sees Clare woman conned out of €15k

GARDAÍ in Ennis are investigating a new approach by online fraudsters which leads people to think that they are connecting with people they know and trust, writes Jessica Quinn.

A woman contacted by scammers pretending to a be a friend on a social media platform was recently conned out of €15,000.

Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks explained, “The fraudsters managed to identify an actual friend of the injured party and set up a ghost/cloned Facebook Account where they purported to be the actual friend.

“Then via Facebook they informed the lady she had won the lottery online and that her details were also there as a winner.

“In order to release the winnings, the lady was told by her ‘friend’ that they had to send monies to other parties. The lady then unfortunately sent €15,000 via iTunes vouchers and physical cash.”

Sergeant Brooks warned, “We want to advise people that the person behind the Facebook page may not be the person they think it is and to always refrain from divulging personal information or take part in any online cash windfalls.”