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FraudSMART warning – Beware of courier card scams

A courier card scam is where fraudsters pretend to be your bank and arrange for your bank card to be collected from your home under guise of “security reasons”.

FraudSMART is warning consumers about a highly convincing scam where fraudsters pretend to be your bank and persuade you to hand over your bank card for ‘security reasons’.

These scams are carefully planned an designed to create urgency and fear. Many victims genuinely believe they are dealing with their own bank and do not realise what was happened until it is too late.

 

 

How the scam starts

The scam usually begins with a text message claiming there has been suspicious activity on your bank account. The message can look genuine and may even appear to come from your bank.

You may be asked to reply to the message or to click a link. If you do, the fraudsters then have a way to continue the scam.

The follow-up call

Shortly afterwards, you may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank’s security or fraud team. The caller sounds professional and reassuring but creates a strong sense of urgency.

They may tell you that your card is at immediate risk and mention convincing (but false) transaction details. The aim is to stop you from taking the time to check independently.

Card collection at the door

You might be told that, for security reasons, your bank card must be collected immediately. The caller may say that a courier or taxi has been arranged by your bank.

During the call, the fraudster may ask you to disclose your full PIN or to enter it in on the phone. Some people are told to delete their banking app as part of what is described as a “security process”.

No bank will ever send someone to your home to collect your card. Once the card is handed over, it is immediately used to withdraw cash or make purchases.

Why this scam works

These scams are designed to be extremely convincing. Victims often report that they genuinely believed they were speaking to their own bank. The messages look authentic, the caller sounds professional and appears knowledgeable, and the pressure to act quickly can make it hard to stop and think. Fraudsters use tried and tested tricks that can catch anyone off guard especially when they make it seem like your money is at risk.

How to protect yourself if you suspect a scam

  1. Your bank will never ask you for your full PIN, either verbally or by asking you to key it into your phone.
  2. Your bank will never ask you to delete your banking app.
  3. Your bank will never send a courier or taxi to collect your bank card.
  4. If you receive an unexpected call or text about suspicious activity, do not respond. Contact your bank using the number on the back of your credit or debit card or listed on the official bank website.
  5. If you believe you may have been targeted, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to your local Garda station.

Stay Informed: Help keep your family and friends safe

Anyone can be a target of this kind of scam and new types of scams and frauds are continually emerging that are increasingly 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.