Beware of Fake Bank/Credit Union Texts & Calls

Beware of Fake Bank/Credit Union Texts & Calls

FraudSMART has issued an urgent alert about a new and very convincing scam targeting bank customers across Ireland. Criminals are sending text messages and making phone calls claiming to be from your bank, and they are using clever tricks to make the communications look legitimate.

Please read the information below carefully to help protect yourself and your finances.

How the Scam Works

• You may receive a text message telling you to expect a call from your bank.

• The scammer's text may appear within a real text thread from your bank, making it look trustworthy.

• The caller claims to be from your bank’s security or card services department and may say your account is at risk.

• You could be asked to share personal or financial information, such as PINs, passwords, or verification codes.

• In some cases, you might be asked to enter an authorisation code or delete your banking app — actions that allow the fraudster to take control of your account.

• Fraudsters may warn of urgent action needed, implying that failure to act will result in money being stolen or lost.

• They might also advise you to stay offline from your banking account while they carry out the scam.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

🚫 Your bank will never ask for personal information by text, phone, or email.
🚫 Your bank will never send you links in a text message.
🚫 Your bank will never ask you to delete your banking app or avoid logging into your account.

If you are ever unsure, trust your instincts — and take action immediately to protect yourself.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text or Call

✅ Ignore the text or hang up the call.
✅ Contact your bank immediately — using the phone number printed on the back of your debit or credit card, not the number in the suspicious message.
✅ Never provide personal, card, or account details by text, phone, or email.
✅ Do not click on links or attachments in unsolicited texts or emails.
✅ Block the sender and delete any suspicious message.

If you are pressured on a call to act urgently, hang up and call your bank yourself to check.

What to Do if You Think You Have Been Scammed

If you believe you have responded to a scam message or given information to a fraudster:

• Contact your bank immediately using the official contact details.

• Report the incident to the Gardaí.

Remember: It’s always OK to hang up, double-check, and ask for help.