| Fraudsters are continually trying to trick people with calls, texts, and emails that appear to come from your bank. With FraudSMART, you can stay alert, spot the signs and protect your money. Stay Alert: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly and without thinking. They may claim your bank account is at risk or threaten that it will be closed if you don’t respond immediately. These tactics are designed to create panic. Be cautious of: Unexpected calls, texts or emails. Requests for personal or financial information such as login information or PINs. Suspicious links or attachments. |
Remember: Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to another account. If something feels wrong, pause, take a moment and never call the number shown in a text message – it could be a scam. Always use the official contact number from your bank’s official website or use the number on the back of your debit / credit card.
Spot the signs: How fraudsters pretend to be your bank
Understanding the common scams and knowing the red flags can be your best line of defence.
Phishing Emails:
Phishing scams occur when you receive an email from a fraudster posing as your bank, or other trustworthy organisation, to trick you into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, bank details, or personal data. The term ‘“phishing” comes from the idea of “fishing” for victims and casting out bait (like a deceptive email or message) and hoping someone “bites” by giving up their information. They often:
- Requests personal and financial details.
- Contain links to fake websites
Vishing (Voice Phishing):
Phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be your bank.
- They may claim your account is compromised
- Urge you to transfer funds “for safety”
- Ask for sensitive information
Smishing (SMS Phishing):
Unsolicited scam text messages designed to make you act fast. Variations include:
- Ask you to click a link to cancel, validate, or verify a payment.
- Provide a phone number that isn’t an official bank contact
Message that falsely state, “You are now speaking to an agent of your bank”
| How to protect yourself if you suspect a scam Pause for thought: Take a moment, that pause could save you from a costly mistake. If something feels off, it probably is. If you think you have responded to a scam text message, call or email, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your debit/credit card, or the contact details provided on your bank website – never the one in the message. You should also report fraudulent activity to your local Garda station. |
Stay Informed: Help keep your family and friends safe Anyone can be targeted, and scams continue to evolve, becoming more complex and convincing. Share this alert with your family and friends so that they too can stay safe and encourage them to sign up for the FraudSMART fraud alerts to stay updated.
