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Dublin Live

National

Emma Nevin

Three warning signs you are being targeted in new scam, according to Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland is warning its customers about a new scam tactic that is duping people into handing over their bank details.

Fraudsters are doubling down on their efforts to access customers’ accounts by first contacting them by text and then following up with phone calls to convince them to hand over their details. Over the past two weeks, Bank of Ireland’s Fraud Prevention Team has detected a 40 per cent increase in the number of scams of this nature, when compared to the previous month.

Once the fraudsters gain access to the account details, funds are then being transferred by them into money-mule accounts or spent immediately on expensive items including electrical goods. Here are three things Bank of Ireland is advising customers to look out for:

Bank of Ireland-branded texts saying to expect a call from Bank of Ireland. If the customer takes the call, the fraudster will try to convince them to reveal their card details, and then tell them that they need to swipe a ‘fake notification’ on their app to complete an update process. This ‘fake notification’ is, in fact, a real transaction being carried out by the fraudster.
Bank of Ireland-branded texts giving a fake phone number to call. If a customer calls, they are duped into giving card details and again, sometimes asked to swipe a ‘fake notification’ which is, in fact, a real transaction.
An Post or HSE branded fake texts that then lead to ‘phishing’ websites. These websites are used to collect credit or debit card numbers and customer account login details. In some cases, where a customer gives a phone number but not full login information, there will be a follow-up phone call from the fraudsters to obtain details and gain access to their account.

The bank has told customers not to click on links in any SMS text messages designed to appear as if sent by the bank or other businesses and service providers. They have also asked the public to be very careful with any phone number sent to you in a text. It could be fake.

If you get a text that claims to be from Bank of Ireland but you are not sure if it is genuine, here's how you can verify it:

Copy the text you wish to verify.
Paste into a new message.
Add the word CHECK before the text. (In the same text)
Send to 50365.
Alternatively send it to 365security@boi.com and we’ll let you know if it was really from us. Remember to forward a screenshot of the text if possible.
If you think you may have given away any of your banking details, please call our 24/7 Freephone line 1800 946 764 immediately.

Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Fraudsters are becoming increasingly persistent in their attempts to steal people’s money. Fraudulent text messages are now being followed up by phone calls from fraudsters to convince people to hand over their details.

“Be vigilant if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank, credit card company or another company you may trust – even if you get a text first that tells you to expect the call. No matter what story you are told, do not give away your card, account, or banking details. End the call immediately and do not call the number back if you are suspicious.

“And remember, do not click on links or call any numbers you receive in a text message. You can call your bank using the number on the back of your card or a listed phone number”.

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