Gardaí are warning the public of new ‘smishing’ scam where people are receiving text messages claiming to be from AIB to tell them their bank card has been compromised.
The scammers send people a text message asking them to log onto a website in order to receive a new bank card, asking them for their PIN number and other personal details.
Once this is completed they are requested to send the compromised card to one of three addresses, none of which are linked to AIB.
An Garda Síochána are also urging all persons who receive such text messages not to respond to them, but instead to take a screenshot of the message, delete it and report to your local Garda station.
“I would encourage members of the public never to give out personal or sensitive information online unless you are sure of the source,” said Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.
He added that financial institutions will never contact you in this way, nor would your bank ask you to return a bank card in this manner.
GNECB are advising the public as follows:
• Never click a link in an unsolicited text
• Never give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers and passwords
• A financial institution would never request a customer to return a card to the bank in such circumstances
The GNECB are working with AIB and other financial institutions, to identify those behind this fraud and those who receive, or use the stolen data or cards.
⚠️Ongoing Fraudulent SMS/Smishing⚠️
We will never email or text you asking for personal, login or card information. If you have responded to these texts please contact us immediately! pic.twitter.com/Wbr1ddoBVu
— AIB Customer Support (@AskAIB) July 27, 2020
The three addresses gardai have seen in the scam are so far:
- Security Centre, 164 New Seskin Court, Arena, Whitestown Way, Dublin 24, D24 A260
- Security Centre, 31 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6, D06 V4Y1
- Security Centre, 50 North Circular Road, Dublin 7, D07 V0FY
