Gardaí have issued a warning to the public over a new text message scam focused on gaining access to personal bank accounts.
Consumers are being advised to be on alert to a text message or ‘smishing’ scam in which victims receive a text appearing to be from their bank asking them to confirm personal details or click on links to unfreeze their account.
The criminals behind the scam are aiming to obtain personal information that will allow them to steal money from bank accounts.
Consumers should note the warning signs of false texts:
- The text message will be unsolicited
- The text message will always seek information that allows access to bank accounts, Note; 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
Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) stated that “banks and other financial entities will never make unsolicited contact with individuals asking for personal details, account numbers, 4-digit pin number or passwords.”
He warned that “people receiving unsolicited communications looking for these personal details should not reply to text messages, emails or other communications. They should contact their bank independently to check on the validity of the communications they have received before taking any action”.
If you think you have responded to a Smishing text message, contact your bank immediately.
Gardaí have released key details of the scam:
1. The message will imitate a text from your bank.
2. The message will typically ask you to click on a link to a website to “verify”, “update” or to “reactivate” your account.
3. It may ask you to reply to the text message with personal or financial information or to click on a link to website.
4. If it includes a link, the website is a fake one. The website will then attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information. If clicked on it also could download dangerous software known as malware to your computer or mobile device.
5. Often the text will create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking e.g. your money is in danger or your account will be frozen.
