The European Consumer Centre (ECC) in Dublin is warning phone owners to be vigilant of a text scam that is costing participants thousands of euro.

A number of phone owners have received texts saying they have won money in a lottery - and are asked to forward their bank details, from which funds are stolen.

The ECC says the messages have been sent "out of the blue".

The scammers even have a convincing UK-based website to convince willing participants to cooperate - but the ECC says there is no evidence to suggest this is where they are based.

Users are advised not to give out personal information, such as their full name or marital status.

The ECC also says those who get these texts should contact their mobile phone provider, as they might keep track of such issues and send alerts to other customers.

Grace Duffy of the ECC office in Dublin says there is one key tip to be mindful of.