Fake Glen Hansard Will Articles Flood Social Media in Cryptocurrency Investment Scam

Fraudsters in Ireland are circulating fake news articles impersonating Glen Hansard's will story to lure victims into a cryptocurrency investment scam. The bogus articles masquerade as pieces from legitimate news outlets and direct victims to submit personal details and deposit a minimum of €250. Simultaneously, banking text message scams are targeting Irish residents, with victims losing thousands of euros.

Overview of the Scam

Multiple fraud schemes are circulating in Ireland, including fake articles impersonating a news story about Glen Hansard's will. Hansard was an Oscar-winning musician known for composing 'Falling Slowly' from the film 'Once.'

How It Works

Fake News Article Scam

Scammers distribute articles on social media that impersonate legitimate Irish news outlets like the Irish Independent. These fraudulent articles include:

A photo of Hansard with an eye-catching headline about secret clauses in his will
False claims that Hansard made cryptocurrency trading investments before his death
A link to a website requesting personal information submission
A promise of a return call and information about trading platforms requiring a minimum €250 deposit

Banking Text Message Scam

Simultaneously, text messages impersonating banks are being sent to Irish residents. These scams have resulted in substantial losses—approximately €150,000 stolen from seven victims within one week, with individual losses ranging from €2,000 to €75,000.

Warning Signs

Unexpected articles or messages from unknown sources claiming to share insider secrets
Requests for personal information or financial deposits via unsolicited messages
Promises of investment returns or banking transactions requiring immediate action
Messages claiming to be from your bank when you did not initiate contact
Pressure to provide login credentials or allow remote device access

Prevention Tips

Be cautious of unexpected calls or text messages and never share personal information in response
Verify articles by checking official media websites rather than clicking links in messages
Do not open cryptocurrency accounts or wallets at someone else's request
Never transfer savings based on promises of guaranteed profits or new account offers
Do not grant remote access to your computer or devices
Contact your bank or credit union in person before transferring money if you receive suspicious requests
If you recognize a news story as legitimate, read it directly from the publication's official website

Where to Report

In Ireland, report suspected fraud to your local Garda station or contact the Garda National Cybercrime Bureau. If you have lost money, inform your bank or credit union immediately.