083 scam Ireland: Most complex trick yet hitting Irish phone users

People are being warned of an 083 phishing scam that uses a complex WhatsApp trick to prey on older generations.

There has been a massive increase in “083” scams over the past year as hackers use software to disguise their numbers to look as if they are from an Irish mobile prefix.

One Reddit user posted screenshots of an exchange his mother had with a fraudster pretending to be him, her son, Cork Beo reports.

Their mother got a text from the 083 number reading: "Hi Mum, I changed provider. Can't receive and make calls yet, temporarily got this number. Waiting for number porting."

The mother replied: "Who's this"; before the person says "Who do you think?"

She then asks, "Matt?"; before following up with "when have you ever called me Mum?".

The scammer then goes on and asks her if she's busy, and when she says no, they say they have a "little problem" and ask for help.

The con artist then claims to have bought something online that they can’t pay for as they need to verify the payment by phone.

As they previously stated, they cannot do this as they have "changed provider" and the card company can’t call them to confirm the payment.

The woman realised that this was a bogus text and replied in true Irish mammy fashion, "f**k off".

This latest scam has people on high alert as elderly relatives or friends could easily fall victim to the trick.

Hundreds of people have reported getting phishing calls and texts over the past few months as scams are adapting to become more sophisticated and complex in order to fool people.

06/05/2021 Gardai using the Garda Mobility app pictured this morning at a demonstration and briefing on the Garda mobility app in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. (stock pic) (Collins Photo Agency)

Gardai say there has been a “continual increase” of cases and issued the following advice:

• Do not click on any links in emails or text messages Do not download APPs / remote access software Do not engage with the caller
• Do not click on any links in emails or text messages Do not send them money,
• Do not download APPs / remote access software
• Do not withdraw money and lodge it into cryptocurrency ATMs
• Do not press 1 etc…
• Gardai say there has been a “continual increase” of cases and issued the following advice:

• Do not engage with the caller
• If someone calls to your home, do not let them in without seeing Identification – if in doubt ring local station or 999

• If concerned please contact your local Garda station
• Screenshot the email, text message or other communication,