Gardai have identified an "ongoing threat" about a delivery scam that's catching out members of the public.
As per the norm at this time of year, packages and parcels are becoming far more popular due to the Christmas rush.
However, this year is very different because the impact of COVID has led to increased demand for online shopping and delivery services.
On this note, Gardai have identified a text messaging scam that's defrauding people out of their money.
In a statement, they said: "The Gardai have identified an ongoing criminal threat. Members of the public are receiving SMS messages or emails that seem to come from a postal service or a logistics company.
"The message indicates that there is a ‘missing small payment’ from a parcel delivery, usually in the range of €1 to €3. The message states that this payment will be required in order to receive the parcel."
The statement adds: "There is a link supplied in the message and when the victim clicks this link a website opens which looks like a genuine payment website for a logistics or payment service.
"This website has been set up by a criminal organisation, with the purpose of phishing personal and payment data, which is then later used for fraudulent and unsolicited payments without the knowledge and permission of the victim.
"Since online shopping and parcel deliveries are increasing for both the season of the year and the circumstances due to the worldwide COVID pandemic, it is highly likely that this criminal activity will continue."
Phishing scams have increased in popularity over the last few weeks with Bank Of Ireland, AIB, and The National Lottery all issuing various warnings.
