Gardaí are warning the public of a new text scam dubbed the Grandparent Scam.
An unknown number will send a text pretending to be a relative, claiming they've borrowed a phone.
The scammer will then try to get information that they can use to make themselves seem more believable, before eventually requesting money.
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the scam.
He said: "The victim will receive a text message from an unknown number. They'll say 'this is your son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild or whatever'... they'll say 'I've lost my phone, have borrowed a phone from someone else, and can you send me an amount of money'.
"It would be a text conversation from a spoofed number or even a live number.
"Our advice on all matters like this is to not click on links... take some time to consider it, and don't volunteer information as the fraudster is fishing for information."
He said it can be very easy to verify that the person is who they say they are - either ask them a few questions only they would know the answers to, or simply just call and ask to speak with them."
Det Supt Cryan said the most important thing is to not send money or gift cards, as it will not be retrievable once sent.
If anyone does get any suspicious text messages or falls victim to the scam, they should alert gardaí as it could prevent someone else becoming a victim down the road.
