Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company, is taking action against a peculiar online scam that promises unrealistically cheap bus fares. The scam, which has surfaced on Facebook, bizarrely features images of Cork-born Oscar winner Cillian Murphy and former Cork lord mayor Kieran McCarthy.
The fraudulent advertisements show Murphy and McCarthy holding Leap cards, Ireland’s public transport smart card, alongside Bus Éireann vehicles. These images are being used to lure unsuspecting members of the public into signing up for what the company describes as “too-good-to-be-true” fare offers.
Murphy, fresh from his Oscar success for the film “Oppenheimer,” and Independent councillor McCarthy appear to have been unknowingly drawn into this deceptive scheme.
Bus Éireann has swiftly responded to the situation, working to shut down the fake advertisements and protect potential victims from falling prey to the scam.
According to the Irish Examiner, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and only book tickets through official Bus Éireann channels to avoid becoming victims of such fraudulent schemes.