Gardaí Warn Parents as WhatsApp Scam Targets Children Across Ireland

Dublin: Gardaí have issued an urgent warning to parents following reports of a new WhatsApp scam targeting children and their families in Ireland. The fraudulent messages appear to be sent from a child to a parent, prompting immediate concern among authorities.

The scam was first detected in Kilkenny after local Gardaí were alerted through a Facebook report. In one case, a parent received a message claiming to be from his child. He became suspicious as the child was not old enough to own a mobile phone. The message stated that the sender had purchased a new device and asked for further contact on WhatsApp.

Typical wording includes:
“Dad, I am using this new number now. I have a new phone. Can you save it and then send a WhatsApp message?”

Gardaí warn that once contact is made, scammers will request money to pay for the supposed new phone or to resolve an ‘urgent’ issue. Parents are urged to verify any unexpected communication with their children directly and avoid responding to unfamiliar numbers.

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