Revolut have sent out a warning to its customers this festive season over a new popular form of scam called ‘shoulder surfing’.
With bars, restaurants, and clubs packed over the coming days and weeks, the chance of this scam occurring is at an all-time high.
In an email to its customers, Revolut detailed exactly how shoulder surfing works, from someone observing your passcode, to including fake taxis and losing large sums of money.
READ MORE: National Lottery names Irish counties luckiest and unluckiest with scratch card wins
The email read: “We wanted to warn you about criminals who are targeting people socialising in Ireland during the festive season.
“These thieves are finding ways to discover people’s mobile phone passcode and are then using the code to steal money from their online banking services.
“The criminals target an individual and try to observe their mobile phone passcode by spying on them, in a technique called 'shoulder-surfing'.
“Once they've observed the passcode, they attempt to steal the phone. Sometimes this has been done using an accomplice in a fake taxi.
“The criminal waits until the victim is leaving, then calls up their fake cab. Once in the taxi, the victim’s phone is stolen using various tactics - such as the driver saying they need to check maps.
“If your mobile phone passcode is the same or similar to your banking app passcodes, criminals can use this to access your accounts and steal money.
“They can also change the device and banking app face verification, as well as access your stored Apple or Google Pay cards”.
The advice went on to say: “If your phone has been stolen it's important that you contact us as soon as possible via the in-app chat so we can help secure your account”.
They then advise customers to “use a trusted friend or family member’s mobile phone to access your Revolut account. To speak to our support team, tap on your profile in the top left of the home screen > Help > New chat.
“If you need help being redirected to chat, you can also reach out to us via DM on social media (more information here) or through our dedicated email report.fraud@revolut.com.
“If you use other banking apps, report the theft to them immediately too.
“Most phone manufacturers allow for remote lock or erase functionality. Make sure you have a registered account with your device manufacturer, and ensure you know how to activate these security measures if you need to.
“Finally, report the theft to your nearest Garda station, or by calling 999 or 112.”
READ NEXT:
Ireland weather: Met Eireann warnings come to end amid 'bright spell' before big change
Social welfare Ireland: Major money changes expected within weeks as Christmas warning given
Victoria Beckham says David is 'heartbroken' over school request from daughter Harper
The best Christmas food and drink deals in Supervalu, Tesco, Lidl and Aldi
Conor McGregor blocks Paul McGrath on Twitter as row over PJ Gallagher tweet continues
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
