Bank of Ireland have issued a scam warning to their customers and gave three signs to look out for as fraudsters try to get people’s bank details.
The bank’s Fraud Prevention Team revealed they have detected a 40% increase in the numbers of scams compared to the month before.
They have warned that scammers are using new tactics in order to gain access to people’s money, and they are doubling down on their efforts by contacting customers firstly by text, only to then make follow-up calls.
Once access has been given to the bank account details, scammers will then transfer the funds into money-mule accounts. The money is also often immediately spent on expensive goods such as electronics.
Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, Edel McDermott, said: ‘Fraudsters are becoming increasingly persistent in their attempts to steal people’s money. Fraudulent text messages are now being followed up by phone calls from fraudsters to convince people to hand over their details.
‘Be vigilant if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank, credit card company or another company you may trust – even if you get a text first that tells you to expect the call.
‘No matter what story you are told, do not give away your card, account, or banking details. End the call immediately and do not call the number back if you are suspicious.’
