Text Scams

Text Message Scams

At some point, you've probably received a text that looked genuine but there was something amiss. Something about the language seemed off or you didn't recognise the phone number. This instinct is good because text message fraud, also known as 'smishing', is one of the most common attempts at fraud people face daily.

These texts usually look like they are from a legitimate source such as Revenue or An Post and these familiar names are used to trick you into sharing personal details such as PINs. Often, they cast wide nets to trick people. So sometimes you might get a text about paying an overdue eFlow balance despite not owning a car while other times you might get a message about paying customs on a package while you are waiting on the post to be delivered. For many people, the first reaction is fear and panic and that can blind them to some obvious giveaways.

Some useful tips when you see a dodgy text:

1 - Don't click that link

Fraudsters may include a link for you to click in their message. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your login details, personal information, or security codes.

These sites are designed to look like legitimate webpages and sometimes can be very sophisticated and convincing. Never click a link in a text message until you are sure it is real.

2 - Don't call that number

Often the text message might try to trick you to call a number to 'remove a hold', 'verify a payment' or 'secure your account'. Calling this number will connect you to someone pretending to work for the bank/organisation. They will try to trick you into sharing personal details or giving access to your account. They may even try to convince you to move your money to another account for 'safe keeping'.

If the organisation is a bank, you can find the official bank phone number on the back of your bank card or on its website.

3 - Don't share your details

If you get a message or a call from your bank asking you to confirm or verify security codes, one-time passwords or card details, you can safely assume it's a scam. Banks will never call or message you to ask for these details. If you receive any request to provide codes or personal information, hang up or don't reply.

4 - Don't hand over your card

If someone contacts you to say that your card is 'compromised' or 'needs to be decoded' and that it needs to be collected, it is a scam. Banks will never collect your card from your home or ask you to hand it over to someone. If someone calls you with a request like this, hang up immediately.

5 - Protect yourself

A few useful final tips:

· Always use official channels (will be on your card or the company website) to make contact

· Review your accounts regularly - if you cannot log in, contact the bank as soon as possible

· If something feels off, wait a minute and double check

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