Elderly Limerick man nearly loses €10,000 in investment scam
GARDAI have issued a warning to the public after a Limerick man almost lost €10,000 to scammers.
A man in his early 70s received a phone call from an unknown female who offered to sell him shares in a company.
The Ardagh man was informed that these shares would be sold on the stock market for a profit but not to delay.
The man informed the caller that he would think about it and he was provided with an IBAN account number. He researched the company named which appeared to be legitimate and in order.
He decided to invest in the company and attempted to transfer almost €10,000 to the IBAN provided.
Fortunately, his bank noticed this attempted transaction, stopped it and contacted him.
When the man rang the company whose shares he attempted to buy, he was informed that no shares were for sale and that this was a scam.
Sergeant Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station said: "Criminals usually claim that there is an urgency and it is a once off offer for a short period of time.
"I think that people need to slow down, think and chat with a trusted friend or family member before investing in anything".