Dubliners have been warned to be on their guard against a sophisticated text message scam that could seriously deplete their bank accounts.
The scammers are sending out texts claiming to be a parcel tracking service and telling recipients they have parcels waiting to be delivered.
The bogus texts include a link that when clicked on says the package will be released on payment of a €2 fee.
But one eagle-eyed Dublin woman spotted that all was not as it seemed before she paid the seemingly low one-off fee.
She told Dublin Live: "I clicked through to the payment page out of curiosity although I had a hunch it was a scam.
"Everything looked legitimate and professional until I read the check-box at the end of the page.
"Along with the standard accepting cookies text, it also included a line that authorised a website to deduct €75 per month from anyone who agrees to pay the €2 release fee."
The horrified woman said she was worried others may be caught out by the scam.
She said: "It was lucky I spotted it but people could easily click on the agreement and not notice the money was coming out of their account for a few months.
"I'd be especially concerned that people who aren't very tech-savvy or some elderly people could be taken in and have hundreds taken from their bank accounts before they realise what's happening."
Dublin Live has contacted gardai for comment.
