Fraud Alert – Smishing
As a result of recent smishing activity targeting Irish consumers, FraudSMART is issuing this important reminder to be wary of unsolicited text messages claiming to be your bank. The fraud is in the form of a text message, asking customers to confirm financial or personal information.
This text may ask the receiver to click on a link directing to a website, or providing a number to call in order to “verify” or “update” a personal current account. The website link leads to a bogus website where you are asked to input personal information. The criminal then uses that information to transfer funds from your accounts.
The messages often attempt to alarm you, claiming that urgent action is needed or it will have negative consequences.
FraudSMART’s Key Advice:
- Do not respond to unsolicited text / SMS messages before independently validating that it is who it says it is from. You can do this by:
- Looking up the phone number on the back of your bank card and contact them directly to validate
- Do not use a phone number given to you in the text (this could be a fake number)
- Do not clink on a link or attachment from unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Do not be rushed. Take your time and make the appropriate checks.
- Never give out full online banking passwords or your PIN
- If you think you might have responded to a smishing text message please contact your bank immediately