Limerick parents warned to be wary of scam aimed at them

Gardaí in Limerick say that the ‘mum’ fraud is again rampant

IN the past week, two Limerick women were scammed out of what gardaí describe as “significant” amounts of money.

Crime prevention officer with Henry Street garda station, Sergeant Ber Leetch, told Limerick Live: “In both cases, the women believed that their daughters had contacted them by WhatsApp looking for money in an emergency.

“One message claimed that the daughter could not afford her rent and the woman was to send the “daughters” property owners bank details. The poor mother transferred almost €2,000 into that account.

“In each case it was later in the evening when the women were speaking to their daughters that they realised they had been scammed.”

Sergeant Leetch had this warning that parents should heed: “If you receive any form of communication from a strange number claiming to be any relative and money is requested, ring that relative directly.

“I understand a parent's concern but never transfer money unless you speak to the person first.”