Drivers are being warned about a wave of scam texts being sent from fraudsters pretending to be a motorway operator.
The scam text messages, which appear as being sent from eFlow, ask customers to pay outstanding charges for a toll or to update their account details. However, the links sent in the messages are not legitimate and are an attempt to get the personal card and online banking details of the person.
With more commuters hitting the roads this Easter weekend, Bank of Ireland is warning customers to be wary of this spike in motorway-themed smashing.
READ MORE: Warning over new wave of scams conning people out of money and personal information
Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, explained that “smishing attacks” tend to come in waves - the latest being motorway-related fraud.
Sadlier said: “Smishing attacks tend to come in waves, and the latest theme is motorway fraud, where fraudsters are sending fake text purportedly from operators such as eFlow.
“When you click on the text it leads to a fake website where some will end up providing their confidential card and bank account details. As more people will be hitting the roads this Easter weekend, they might be more inclined to click on such a text message thinking it is legitimate.
“In the past, we have seen similar waves of fraudulent messages appearing to be from delivery services, Government agencies or banks and now it seems that motorway smishing is trending. Text messages should be treated with extreme caution. The general rule is never trust, always verify.”
What to do?
Bank of Ireland’s advice to customers in response to the current smishing scam:
- Do not click on links or respond to SMS text messages which appear as if sent by a motorway toll operator looking for payment for an unpaid toll.
- Remember that companies such as these, or banks, delivery companies, utility providers and Government agencies will never send a text linking to a website that requests online banking details.
- eFlow has advised anyone who receives a text message regarding unpaid tolls to ignore the message and not to open any links. eFlow does not ask customers to open any links to confirm payment details.
- Verify the identity of the sender. Call the company using their legitimate phone number (ensure you source it independently of any SMS);
- If you get a suspicious text, please email a screenshot of the text to 365Security@boi.com and then delete the text; and
- Bank of Ireland customers who think they gave away their banking details should call our 24/7 Freephone line 1800 946 764 immediately.
- For more advice and information on fraud, visit boi.com/security or www.fraudsmart.ie
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