They have already successfully targeted a number of people, so keep on your guard.
Gardaí are seeking to warn the public over a new scam which has been tricking people into purchasing iTunes gift cards worth hundreds of euro.
The scam has mainly targeted vulnerable older people, including one person in Co. Galway who paid €2,200 for fake vouchers, while two individuals in Wicklow and Tipperary purchased in excess of €1,000 for the bogus vouchers.
One person in Dublin attempted to purchase €1,000 in iTunes gift cards at a supermarket, before a member of staff became suspicious and notified Gardaí.
Typically, victims are contacted by telephone by a person claiming to be the representative of a company, which they say is owed money by the victim.
The scammer will then insist upon immediate payment, suggesting that this be made by purchasing iTunes gift cards from a retailer. They are then requested to share the 16-digit code on the back of the card, which the scammer can then use to purchase goods online.
According to Gardaí, several victims have been informed by the scammers that they might face criminal charges.
They have also warned that the callers may have some information about their targets, but that this should be disregarded as no company will request payment via iTunes or any online vouchers.
