International Fraud Awareness Week: Day Three – Credit Union ‘Fake Messages’

As part of Fraud Prevention series for International Fraud Awareness Week, today's theme focuses on a scam where fraudsters send text messages to random mobile phones - the text messages claim to come from a reputable organisation such as your Credit Union, Bank, or a service provider e.g., a mobile phone company.

A criminal can disguise an email address, display name, phone number, text message, or website URL to convince a target that they are interacting with a known, trusted source.

Criminals use a technique called ‘spoofing’ to make it look like you are being contacted by a trusted organisation e.g., your Credit Union. These scam calls or texts can often appear in genuine message threads making them difficult to spot.

• The message will typically ask you to click on a link to a website or to call a phone number to “verify”, “update” or to “reactivate” your account. The website link leads to a bogus website and the phone number leads to a fraudster pretending to be the legitimate company. The criminal attempts to get you to disclose personal, financial or security information, which will then be used to steal your money.

• These messages often attempt to alarm you, claiming that urgent action is needed, or it will have negative consequences.

Your Credit Union will NEVER send Texts with links requesting you disclose personal details or share PINs/Passwords for your debit card or online banking.

If you believe you have been victim of these ‘Fake Messages’ or if you have any concerns regarding your Current Account or Debit Card activity, contact Credit Union Card Services on +353(1)6933333.

For more information, please visit https://currentaccount.ie/support/card-safety-guidelines/