Customers Urged to Remain Vigilant Against Deceptive Communications

Bank of Ireland has warned that new mobile phone text scams are circulating, leaving many consumers at risk. The scams lure customers to call a fake bank phone line, with Bank of Ireland now closing down more than 20 fake phonelines in April so far. The scam targets customers by sending a text message that requests them to call a phone number in relation to a specific transaction. When the number is called, the unlucky customer will be told to provide confidential bank details or are asked to transfer money to the fraudster's account. One example of the texts sent reads: “We placed your card on hold. Did you attempt a transaction at TESCO for 189.99. If you did, reply 1. Otherwise, call us at +3532780332.” Another reads: “Your BOI debit card restricted. Did you authorize €1005.90 at REVOLUT? Reply 1 if yes, or call 019640048 if not.” A third said: “Your card has been placed on hold. Did you authorize a 249.99 transaction at Harvey Norman. If you recognise this reply 1. If not please call us on 35361518082.” Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, said: “We want to warn people as we are seeing a particular spike in these phone scams at the moment.” “We have seen more than 20 fake phonelines so far in April, that’s a significant increase on other months.” “If a customer needs to verify if any text message is legitimate they can call their bank using the phone number on their bank card.” “Bank of Ireland customers can also use our TextChecker service.” “If someone suspects they have been a victim of fraud they should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can take action to stop a fraud in progress and try to recover funds.” “If we’re suspicious about possible fraud on your debit or credit card, we might text you and ask you to confirm if you made a transaction, but all you have to do is reply YES or NO.” Bank of Ireland say you should look out for any messages claiming to be from your bank and ask to call a number to confirm financial or personal information. These texts may appear as a thread in genuine texts. They can often claim that urgent action is needed or there will be negative consequences. If you, however, believe the text is genuine, call the bank using the number provided on your bank card. If the text appears to be from Bank of Ireland but you remain unsure, you can use TextChecker to verify it. To do this, copy the text and paste it into a new message, add the word CHECK before the message in the same text and send it to 50365. Bank of Ireland will reply to let you know whether it’s genuine.