Gardaí issue nationwide 'smishing' scam alert

 

THE Garda National Economic Crime Bureau have issued an alert the public over an ongoing text message scam focused on gaining access to personal bank accounts.

An Garda Síochána, supported by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), are advising consumers to be aware of a text message or ‘smishing’ scam in which victims receive a text appearing to be from their bank asking them to confirm personal details or click on links to unfreeze their account.

The focus of the criminals in this latest scam is to obtain personal information that will allow them to steal money from bank accounts.

A senior garda spokesperson said: “Banks and other financial entities will never make unsolicited contact with individuals asking for personal details, account numbers, four-digit pin number or passwords.”

He warned ‘that people receiving unsolicited communications looking for these personal details should not reply to text messages, emails or other communications.

”They should contact their bank independently to check on the validity of the communications they have received before taking any action.”

If you think you have responded to a smishing text message, contact your bank immediately.