Tag Archives: internet fraud

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 …

CLARE Gardaì have issued a further warning about internet fraud on foot of a recent report from a man who was almost the victim of a scam. The man did a search on the internet regarding investing his money, clicked on an unknown website and filled out a form, submitting same. He was later contacted by telephone by a male with an English accent claiming to be from a well-known and reputable multinational investment bank and financial services company. He was offering him a 3.5% annual return on his investment over three or five years. The man did not invest but unfortunately in the recent past an elderly couple presented at a Clare Garda station with the exact same fraud and they did lose money. Whilst the scammers may change their stories or methods, their goal is always the same – they want to access your sensitive information and get their hands on your money. Never give out your information …