The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
BANK of Ireland is warning Clare customers about a new wave of fraudulent text messages in circulation, in which fraudsters are using customers’ card details to set up Apple/Google Pay.
The bank has experienced a spike in ‘smishing’, where fraudsters send fake text messages appearing to be from delivery services including An Post or Government agencies including the HSE and Revenue.
Customers who click the links in the text messages are then directed to fake websites where they are asked for their card or online banking login details.
The fraudster uses these details to set up Apple/Google Pay on the customer’s card or to set up the customer’s online banking on a new device.
If the customer gives away the genuine One Time Passcode sent by Bank of Ireland to confirm the set-up, the fraudster can then access the customer’s account.
Where customers have stopped part of the way through the scam process, they may then get a phone call claiming to be from Bank of Ireland in an attempt to get banking details and the One-Time Passcode.
The bank is advising customers not to click on links or respond to any SMS text messages which are designed to appear as if sent by the bank or other businesses and service providers.
“Remember that Bank of Ireland will never send you a text with a link to a website that asks you for your online banking login details or any One-Time Passcodes that we’ve sent to you,” said a spokesperson.
They added, “Do not share your One-Time Passcode to set up Apple/Google Pay on your card with anyone even if you the person advises they are from Bank of Ireland.”
The bank has advised, “If you get a suspicious text, please email a screenshot of the text to 365Security@boi.com and then delete the text. If you think you may have given away any of your banking details, please call our 24/7 Freephone line 1800 946 764 immediately.”
