Gardai have issued a warning over a text scam that attempts to steal personal bank details.
The warning has been issued over a ‘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.
Customers are now being warned to be alert to the scam and remember that a bank would never ask for such personal details over text.
Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan, GNECB said: "Banks and other financial entities will never make unsolicited contact with individuals asking for personal details, account numbers, 4-digit pin number or passwords.”
He continued: "People receiving unsolicited communications looking for these personal details should not reply to text messages, emails or other communications.
"They should contact their bank independently to check on the validity of the communications they have received before taking any action."
Here's what to look out for:
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 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.
