Warnings are circulating after a number of WhatsApp users received a video from a contact which appeared to be about how the Covid-19 pandemic will end.
Users have been asked not to open the video as it will allow fraudsters to hack your phone within 'ten seconds'.
The video claims to show how the Covid curve is flattening in India.
A warning message reads: "They are going to start circulating a video on WhatsApp that shows how the Covid19 curve is flattening in India.
"The file is called "India is doing it! Do not open it or see it, it hacks your phone in 10 seconds and it cannot be stopped in any way.
"Pass the information on to your family and friends."
Gardai have issued the following advice on how to avoid vishing calls and texts.
They said: "Vishing is a phone scam in which fraudsters try to trick the victim into divulging personal, financial or security information or into transferring money to them.
What can you do?
- Beware of unsolicited telephone calls.
- Take the caller's number and advise them that you will call them back.
- In order to validate their identity, look up the organsiation's phone number and contact them directly.
- Don't validate the caller using the phone number they have given you (this could be a fake or spoofed number).
- Fraudsters can find your basic information online (e.g. social media). Don't assume a caller is genuine just because they have such details.
- Don't share your credit or debit card PIN number or your online banking password. Your bank will never ask for such details.
- Don't transfer money to another account on their request.
- If you think it's a bogus call, report it to your bank."
