Pensioner in Limerick falls victim to cryptocurrency scam

GARDAÍ in Limerick are urging caution following an incident where an elderly man was scammed out of a significant amount of money.

A man in his 70s had a considerable sum of money stolen from his bank account following a phone call from an overseas number.

He clicked a link on a webpage with a view to investing in cryptocurrency.

“Shortly after submitting his details he then received a phone call from Netherlands,” said Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, crime prevention officer of Henry Street garda station.

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“During the course of the phone call, the victim followed instructions of the caller believing the caller to be genuine.

“He later discovered that a significant sum of money had been taken from his bank account without his knowledge.”

Following this incident, gardaí are reiterating the warning not to discuss financial information over the phone and to “exercise caution around suspicious texts, calls and emails”.

“If you have any concerns just hang up and ring the company back yourself using a phone number you sourced yourself.

“Don’t assume anyone who has sent you an email, text or has called you is who they say they are,” Sgt O’Halloran concluded.

Never provide any personal data including PPS numbers, bank account details or passwords to unknown sources and contact gardaí if you fall victim to a scam.