One victim unknowingly handed over access to his online account after receiving a text message and phone call from scammers claiming to be bank officials, Gardaí have warned
Phishing is a tactic often used by scammers to trick victims into revealing personal information and bank details
Gardaí have issued an alert to Irish banking customers following an incident where a man in Co Galway became the target of a banking fraud.
Fraudsters managed to obtain access to the person’s bank account after falsely claiming they were employed by PTSB, stating the man’s account had been breached.
The message alleging the account was hacked contained a link that the victim subsequently clicked on.
They then got a telephone call from an unidentified number where the fraudster posed as a genuine bank representative.
The victim unwittingly granted access to their online account, and a quantity of money was stolen as a consequence, reports Galway Beo.
Gardaí are warning the public about the scammers
Gardaí are advising people to remain vigilant to the text message or ‘smishing’ scam in which victims receive a text appearing to be from their bank asking them to confirm personal details or click on links to unfreeze their account.
A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Siochana urge listeners to be wary of Texts alleging to be from Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, An Post, Revolut or PTSB or any text message asking for personal details and bank details.
“A legitimate bank will never text, email, or call you asking for your personal details such as your pin, password, or full card details.”
PTSB have also issued a warning to customers to be vigilant against scammers as they issued some advice on how to protect yourself from fraud.
“We are aware of fraudulent text messages and phone calls in circulation claiming to be from PTSB,” a PTSB spokesperson said in a statement.
“Here’s what you need to know:
- PTSB will never contact you from a private phone number.
- Text messages from PTSB asking you to respond with a Y/N will only ever come from sender ID 50331.
- If you’re asked to call a number, only contact our Fraud Department on 01 669 5851 for suspected unusual activity. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Do not click on links or call back any numbers provided in suspicious messages.
“If you’ve received a message or call you’re unsure about, do not respond. Contact us directly on 01 669 5851 for suspected unusual activity. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
Examples of text messages in circulation
Key Details of the Scam
- The message will imitate a text from your bank.
- The message will typically ask you to click on a link to a website to “verify”, “update” or to “reactivate” your account.
- It may ask you to reply to the text message with personal or financial information or to click on a link to website.
- If it includes a link, the website is a fake one. The website will then attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information. If clicked on it also could download dangerous software known as malware to your computer or mobile device.
- Often the text will create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking e.g. your money is in danger or your account will be frozen.
Warning Signs
The following are some warning signs:
- The text message will be unsolicited
- The text message will always seek information that allows access to bank accounts, Note; banks or other financial institutions would not look for that kind of information!!
- The text will instruct the individual to go to a website or make a phone call to a specified number
- The text will create a fear that if the customer does not take action requested in the text, their account will be compromised
- The text will emphasise the need for urgent action by the recipient of the text
What Can You Do?
- A text from your bank will not ask you for any personal information, only ever respond Y or N to bank text messages.
- Never respond to a text message that requests your 4-digit card PIN or your online banking details or any other password.
- Do not respond to unsolicited text/SMS messages before independently validating who the text appears to be from. Never use the number in the text message. For your bank, use the number on the back of your debit / credit card.
- Don’t be rushed. Take your time and make the appropriate checks before responding.
- Do not click on a link, attachment or image that you receive in an unsolicited text without first verifying the text and understanding what you are clicking on.
- If you think you have responded to a Smishing text message, contact your bank immediately.
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