AIB said it is seeing a sharp increase in reports of phone call or vishing fraud, with overall vishing increasing by 79% in the first two months of this year compared to the same time last year.
AIB said these fraud attempts are targeting both personal and business customers.
Fraudsters are using phone calls more often to target unsuspecting customers and these calls claim to represent reputable companies and financial institutions.
Common tricks used on these calls include offering a refund, claiming to stop a payment that is fraudulent or even advising they are going to fix an issue with your broadband.
AIB said the fraudsters often ask you to download software to your device or to visit a “secure” website.
By following the caller’s instructions, you are allowing them to take control of your device and by providing codes are allowing them to access your accounts and take money from you.
AIB said that businesses need to be aware of the threats associated with phone call fraud and ensure all staff who manage their accounts are aware of the risks of giving away information or downloading software.
The bank said that customers need to be aware of the following to safeguard both their personal and financial information –
– end any unexpected calls and contact the company on a known and trusted contact number to verify the legitimacy of the call.
– never visit websites or download software to your device on the back of an unexpected call.
– never provide login information, one-time passcodes generated by text message or codes from your Digipass or card reader device. These codes allow access to your account and allow money to be moved from it.
– Never move funds to a “safe” account if requested to do so.
– Call the 24/7 AIB fraud helpline if you think you have been scammed.
AIB’s Head of Financial Crime, Mary McHale said that fraudsters will use any means to steal your money.
“They will pose as legitimate companies or bank staff to trick you into downloading software and providing personal and financial information. They may even mimic a company’s genuine phone number,” Ms McHale said.
“We urge people not to let their guard down and remain vigilant. Take a moment and ask yourself, could this be a scam? End the call immediately and verify its legitimacy on a known and trusted phone number,” she advised.
Mary McHale said that where customers have been scammed, the bank will deal sympathetically with them on a case-by-case basis.
“At AIB, we have a strong record in protecting our customers from fraud and we are continuously investing to enhance our fraud monitoring systems in response to new and existing fraud trends, and to educate our customers via online messaging, emails, and targeted social media alerts,” she said.
“We also work closely with industry stakeholders including telecommunications companies, the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI), and the Gardaí to detect and report fraud trends, as it’s only by communicating and coordinating across the whole of society that together we can be effective in combating these criminals,” she added.
AIB’s fraud helpline is open 24/7, seven days a week to support customers.
