SMS Phishing Scam Alert Update
Posted on: 09 Feb 2023
We've been made aware of a scam text, purporting to be from 'Credit Union', claiming that accounts have been 'placed on hold' and asking the recipient to click a link (to a cloned credit union website) to verify their account. Your credit union will never contact you by text or email asking you to click a link to verify your account.
If you get such a text or email, please do not click on the link. Similarly, if you receive a phone call masked to appear that it is from the number 01 614 6700, please do not answer, or hang up immediately.
If you are in any doubt about any message you receive in relation to your credit union account, please contact your local credit union directly.
General Information on Avoiding Scams
The general information below may be useful guidance for you in avoiding scams and unauthorised activity.
· If somebody contacts you out of the blue offering you money or an easy way to make money, it is probably too good to be true.
· Don’t assume an email, call or text is genuine because someone has basic information like your name or address. Fraudsters may use publicly available information to lure you in.
· Fraudsters are very good at making e-mails look genuine, and have been known to set up elaborate and convincing dummy websites.
· You should not provide personal information about yourself or agree to send money until you are satisfied that the firm you are dealing with is authorised. You can check the Central Bank Registers to check if a firm is authorised
· Be careful of contact that appears to be from your bank or credit union requesting verification account numbers and passwords. Banks and credit unions will NEVER request your full personal access code or password.
· If you have previously been a victim of a scam then it is more likely that you will be targeted again.
· If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Take your time to think things through and don’t feel pressured into making a decision that you might later regret.