SCAM ALERT: Gardaí in the Midlands issue warning over 'hey mam' text message scam

Gardaí are warning Donegal residents about a scam

placeholder image — Gardaí are warning Donegal residents about a scam

Gardaí in the Midlands have issued a warning to people to be vigilant of the 'hey mam' text message scam.

A resident in the Longford area recently received a text from a strange number – “hey mam, I let my phone fall at work this morning & its not working, save this number & use on WhatsApp”

A number of ordinary text messages were exchanged before the Longford resident received the message “do me a favour, I need to pay an online bill today and it won’t accept this number & has to be paid today.”

After enquiring how much was required and how to pay, a further text was received from the criminal demanding €2,100, with IBAN details provided.

The monies were transferred using a local financial institution in Longford, however, when the money was transferred the injured party rang her daughter then realizing that she hadn’t in fact sought a financial handout from her mother.

Immediately, the local credit union, having been requested, set about to stop the transfer, which was successful to the delight of all concerned.

According to local Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Damien Bartley, here is what to do if you are suspicious:

· STOP. THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on text or WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity

· Does the message sound like your family member? Look at the tone and language they’ve used in their messages. If you’re still in doubt, ask a question that only your family member could answer