Police said the man said he found a website in March dealing in shares and investment programmes. He signed up and an unknown man contacted him by phone, assuring that his investment would be safe and promising huge profits.

The next day, an unknown woman contacted him and offered assistance in carrying out the online investment, persuading him to allow her access to his computer through an app.

The 68-year-old said that between March and August money was transferred from his bank account to various other accounts abroad, with the total reaching €183,000.

He realised he had been conned when on his request to withdraw money the woman asked him to pay €4,758.43 in taxes.

The 68-year-old filed a complaint with the police on Tuesday.

The police again urged the public to be careful and not trust strangers promising big profits fast.

All investments, the police add, should be made through recognised advisers.