Bank of Ireland warns customers on holiday to be extra vigilant for fraud

Take a minute to put these dedicated 24/7 emergency contact numbers into your phone before you start your holiday

  • Report lost cards or suspicious activity quickly – Bank of Ireland’s fraud team is available 24/7 by calling 1800 946 764 (ROI) or + 353 56 775 7007 when calling from everywhere outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
  • Check that cards are in date and save useful contact details prior to travel.
  • Keep cards in separate locations, be wary of older ATMs and ‘shoulder surfing’ in queues.

Bank of Ireland is warning customers to be extra vigilant of fraud when travelling on holidays. The Bank is reminding customers to check their banking details prior to travelling, be alert to potential signs of scams while away and if an offer looks too good to be true, it could be fraud.

Preparation

Prior to travelling, customers should take the time to confirm their card details are in-date, so that cards are valid throughout the holiday. Customers should also save the contact numbers of their bank’s customer service line, travel insurance provider and airline helpdesk, in case of any emergencies.

Try to keep credit and debit cards in separate locations so that if a purse or wallet is stolen, you have an alternative. If a card is lost or stolen, you can freeze your card immediately through the app or call the customer service line for further assistance.

Make sure that you check your text messages when you’re abroad so you don’t miss alerts that the Bank might send about potential fraudulent transactions.

Using cards on holidays

When using a card to pay, make sure it is always within view to avoid it being skimmed. Fraudsters can illegally collect data from the magnetic stripes of a bank card, and customers should keep a close eye on their card or device (if using a digital wallet) when transactions are taking place. Where possible, use physical card, chip and PIN for payment.

When withdrawing cash from cash machines, avoid machines that are in poor condition and look out for the following:

  • Be aware of ‘shoulder surfing’ in an ATM queue – don’t get side-tracked by others when using the machine and take care not to let anyone see your PIN.
  • Be especially mindful if withdrawing larger amounts of cash.
  • Have your card ready when going to cash machines, to avoid searching through a wallet or handbag to find it.
  • Review your recent transactions on Banking 365

Accommodation scams

Accommodation scams are becoming an increasingly significant concern for holidaymakers with the rise in popularity of online booking and third-party websites. Rental accommodation scams are designed to trick customers into paying for accommodation which is not available for rent or does not exist.

Try to book through established letting agent, but if booking directly request proof of identification from the landlord.

Quick reporting

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Available 24 hours 7 days a week
Republic of Ireland
1800 946 764 (personal and business)

Everywhere outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
+ 353 56 775 7007 (Lost/Stolen cards or smart device)

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “With the summer holiday season now in full swing, customers can take some simple steps to help protect themselves from fraud. We want to remind people to take extra care before they make any transactions relating to their holiday because, often, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.

“We’re naturally more relaxed when on holiday, but it’s good to keep your guard up against the possibility of fraud. This includes keeping your credit and debit cards in separate locations, confirming your card details are in order before you depart, and being alert to fraud when using ATMs or paying for items.

“Before going on holidays this year, in Ireland or abroad, we are asking people to take a minute to put the Bank of Ireland emergency contact numbers into their phones – that’s 1800 946 764 in Ireland and + 353 56 775 7007 if you’re calling from outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain & Northern Ireland. Our teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to speak with customers who need support.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Bank of Ireland developments to combat fraud:

Bank of Ireland takes a wide range of steps to protect our customers and the Bank from all types of fraud, including:

  • Resourcing a dedicated fraud team which works 24/7 to catch fraud attempts and alert and protect customers, and to attempt to retrieve customers’ money when a fraud attempt is successful;
  • Investing in a range of fraud services, tech systems, and upgrades to enhance consumer and business protection from fraud;
  • Running ongoing fraud-awareness campaigns directed at customers and the wider public, and support the sector in similar activity through our membership of the BPFI and its FraudSmart campaign; and
  • Maintaining active working relationships with national and international police forces and inter-governmental agencies to track emerging threats.

Practical steps that we have taken to protecting customers include:

  • Providing Bank of Ireland’s TextChecker Service – allows customers to check directly with Bank of Ireland if a text is genuine, which the Bank will confirm within 60 seconds
  • In-app Card Control features
  • When using a digital wallet (Google or Apple Pay) abroad, some merchants may not accept, please default to using your physical card and pin
  • Extra Tips: Visit Security Zone – Bank of Ireland Group Website
  • Providing warning messages to customers at the time of setting up a new beneficiary, this encourages customers to Stop, Think and Check before sending money.