BANK of Ireland customers have been warned about a surge in activity from fraudsters in recent weeks.
The bank’s Fraud Prevention team say that a new scam tactic will see customers contacted by text and then a follow up call to gain access to bank details.
This is followed by transferring customer’s money into money-mule accounts or spent immediately on expensive items like electrical goods.
In the last two weeks, the bank say the number of detected text and phone call fraud case has increased by 40 per cent compared to the previous month.
The bank said callers have been receiving branded Bank of Ireland texts, telling customers to expect a call.
If the customer takes the call, the fraudster will try to reveal their card details and to swipe a ‘fake notification’ on their app to update the process – which is actually the moment the money is stolen.
Another tactic will be An Post or HSE branded fake texts that lead to ‘phishing’ websites which are used to collect credit or debit cards as well as customer account login details.
Bank of Ireland’s Head of Fraud, Edel McDermott, 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”.
For more information , visit boi.com/security or www.fraudsmart.ie.
