Warning issued as impersonator tries to cash in on TD Pearse Doherty

Stephen Maguire

A con artist is attempting to cash in on Sinn Féin politician Pearse Doherty after setting up a fake profile asking people for money.

The scam has led the Donegal TD to issue a warning to his followers after the impersonator set up a fake online account asking for financial contributions.

The Gaoth Dobhair politician posted a statement telling his 125,000-plus social media followers that he had been conned.

Doherty revealed a fake account had been set up and was asking people for money.

He said "Let me be clear. I will never ask anyone for money, bank details, gift cards or any form of payment through social media or messaging apps such as Telegram for any of my constituency services.

"If you receive a message claiming to be from me, please check that it is from my official verified account with the blue tick. If you are in any doubt, do not respond."

Doherty told his followers who come across the scammer to contact his office immediately.

He added "Report the fake account immediately and contact my constituency office.

"These scams are designed to exploit people’s trust. Please help protect others by sharing this warning with your family and friends."