Gardai have warned the public over the most recent text message scam which purports to be from AIB Bank.
The scam could also reference any financial institution, experts are warning.
Victims are sent a text telling them to call a number regarding a transaction from their account.
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The number will direct the victim to an “AIB agent”, who will talk the person through how to cancel the unauthorised transaction.
It is here that the fraudster will attempt to extort the credit and personal details from the caller.
A garda spokesperson said: “DO NOT respond to these texts or call this number. If you must call your bank make sure any number matches that which is on the back of your bank card.
“Never give away personal data such bank account details, PIN numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, one time codes, PPS numbers or Eircodes over the phone.
“An Garda Síochána advise people not to respond to such texts, to take screenshots of the texts received and delete them and to report it to the bank or relevant company.
“An Garda Síochána also appeals to any person who may have inadvertently or otherwise engaged with this scam, or any similar scam, and subsequently been a victim of this type of fraud to report it to their local Garda Station.”
Gardai also said all phone users would be vigilant about who it is that is contacting them and identify whether contact was initiated by them and whether the email or text is unsolicited.
The garda website states: “Never transfer money to an unknown source. Where this has occurred, report it in the first instance to your local Garda station.
“Never send money to unknown people as a result of an unsolicited email.
“If you think that you have been a victim of fraud and your bank account has been used or compromised in any way you should report the matter immediately to your bank or financial institution to minimise any financial loss to you.
“Likewise, if you believe your social media account or other forms of communication have been compromised you should report the matter to the appropriate company to ensure that any evidence is retained and that no further harm can be done.”
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