The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning about a new scam targeting mobile phone users.
It involves scammers impersonating phone company representatives, using deceptive tactics to access accounts, and then ordering and stealing valuable mobile devices.
The scammer will call a customer pretending to be from the phone company.
While on the call, the scammer uses the "forgot password" option on the mobile provider's website which triggers a verification code to be sent to the target's phone.
They will then ask the customer to read out the code, claiming it's necessary to process an upgrade.
Once the scammer has the code, they reset the password and gain full access to the account.
They then order a high-value phone to be delivered to the customer's address.
After the phone arrives, the scammer contacts the customer again and offers to resolve the issue by collecting the phone and processing a refund.
The scammer then arranges for the phone to be collected, leaving the customer without the device and potentially liable for the cost.
The advice from the NCSC is to never share verification codes, verify callers and to regularly check accounts for unauthorised activity or changes.
"Avoid using easily guessed passwords and enable additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, if available," the NCSC said.
"If you receive such a call, report it to your mobile provider immediately and to your local Garda station," the centre said.
If someone becomes a victim of this scam, they are advised to contact their mobile provider, bank and the gardaí, and to reset their account passwords.
