Gardaí advise partygoers in Limerick to be 'very conscious' while using mobiles this Christmas

CRIMINALS targeting partygoers and stealing their money via online banking apps has prompted gardaí in Limerick to issue a statement.

Gardaí are urging the public in Limerick to be “very conscious” this Christmas, as reports of a crime called ‘shoulder surfing’ have become more frequent.

“Criminals are now targeting late-night revellers who may be out socialising in bars, night clubs and restaurants,” said garda John Finnerty of Henry St garda station.

“While the victim is paying for items, the criminal is looking over his or her shoulder to see the passcode that the victim is using to open their phone. The criminal will then memorise the passcode and attempt to steal the phone.”

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Saying that the perpetrator can get into the victim’s online banking app as “most people use similar pin codes”, garda Finnerty said that the crime “occurs in seconds”.

“We would advise all mobile phone owners to use different pin codes for different apps on all of their devices. 

“This is inconvenient, but it provides more protection from online fraud,” he said.