BANK of Ireland have advised consumers to be extra vigilant against parcel fraud in the peak Christmas shopping and online delivery period.
With the seasonal upsurge in parcel delivery, the Bank has noted a high volume of calls from customers reporting fraudulent activity via ‘smishing’ texts where fraudsters send fake messages claiming to be from recognisable delivery companies.
These ‘smishing’ texts will ask a customer to follow to a link to a fraudulent payment site that will, for example, ask customers to pay a small customs charge or confirm details.
The branding on these texts and the destination website will be of one of a household name delivery company like UPS, DPD or An Post.
Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “The middle of the busiest shopping period of the year is an obvious time for fraudsters to target consumers.
“People may be distracted and have less available time to stop, think and check the details on a text and simply reply ‘automatically’ to a company they recognise.
“There’s also a good chance that consumers will have bought something online recently so are more likely to think the text is genuine and click one of the fraudulent links currently in circulation.
“If they do, they will be brought to a website where they are asked to give their Credit or Debit card details.
“The message here is simple: no matter how busy you are, always pause before replying or clicking on a link and take the time to independently check whether a text is legitimate, even if it appears to be from a familiar brand or company. And never disclose confidential banking details”.
Reminders to consumers:
- Always think before you click: Does this text refer to a legitimate delivery that you are expecting?
- Do not respond to or click a link in an unsolicited text, even if it appears to be from a company that you recognise. Always check independently that the text is genuine.
- Do not use a phone number given to you in the text.
- Never disclose confidential banking details or security details such as your any digits from your PIN or online password.
Bank of Ireland customers who think they have been the victim of this type of fraud, should contact the Bank as soon as possible: https://www.bankofireland.com/security-zone/report-fraud/
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