Bank customers have been warned over a "smishing" scam, where fake text
messages are being sent in a bid to gain access to financial information.
Gardaí and the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) say fake text
messages are being sent to people asking them to confirm personal details or
click on links to unfreeze their accounts.
Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan of the Garda National Economic
Crime Bureau said banks or other financial institutions would never make
unsolicited contact with customers asking for personal details.
He warned anyone who may have received such a message not to reply, and
contact their bank directly to check if the communication is valid.
The scam involves a message, which imitates a text from a bank, asking the
receiver to click on a link to a website to "verify", "update" or
"reactivate" their account.
The text may also ask people to reply to it with personal or financial
information.
Gardaí say if the text includes a link, the website is a false one and
people run the risk of downloading dangerous malware to their computer or
phone.
They also say the text message can convey a sense of urgency - such as
telling people their money is in danger or their account will be frozen.
Bank of Ireland issued a security notice to customers over the scam
'Smishing' scam warning signs
* The text message will be unsolicited.
* The text message will always seek information that allows access to
bank accounts. 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.
Website:
https://www.rte.ie/news/crime/2019/0821/1070012-smishing-scam/
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