Gardaí have issued advice to the general public around contacts with persons they have met online.
It relates to speaking with or intending to meet up with a person they have met online.
Gardaí advise that you get a picture of the person's face from the person you intend to meet. Be very cautious, they said, of a person who does not share a recent face picture with you, particularly after you have shared yours.
If the online person does not want to share a picture, then gardaí suggest asking them to go on a live video call. They said many apps have this option built in and that a mobile number does not have to be shared to do this.
Gardaí also suggest that you ask for their social media handles. "Do you have friends in common on Instagram or Facebook? Be wary of new accounts with low follower count and few posts."
It is advised that you let friends know where you are going. You should send a text to a trusted friend or in a group chat, include your live location so you can be found if you need help.
Meet in a public place first. Take a few minutes to chat and feel confident you want to proceed before going somewhere private.
Gardaí also suggest that you think before accepting food or drink. Unless you have seen the person prepare it, they said it is best not to accept to avoid being spiked.
If an emergency unfolds, call 999.
