Fraudsters are seizing the opportunity of the current low interest rate environment by offering people high interest returns on various investments, particularly in crypto-currency. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they may have created a professional and legitimate looking company website. If it’s too good to be true it probably is.
- The fraudster usually pressurises you into acting quickly and without thinking.
- The fraudster instructs you to make an urgent payment.
- The fraudster sends you a text message with a link to their fake website.
- The fraudster may promise an insurance or protection, saying your capital will be protected.
- The fraudster may promise a quick and profitable return with little or no risk.
- A call from a ‘Recovery agent’ promising recovery of funds for a fee.
- Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.
- Only use regulated entities. All Financial Services Providers which hold an authorisation from the Central Bank of Ireland (‘Central Bank’), or where applicable, the SSM (the Single Supervisory Mechanism – European Central Bank), to provide financial services in Ireland are listed in the Central Bank Registers section. Prior to entering into a financial services transaction, members of the public can check the regulatory status of the firm they are dealing with.
- Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password.
- Be suspicious of unsolicited emails. Listen to your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right then stop and question it.
- Be wary where the investment is being endorsed by celebrities – they may not know their name is attached to the advertisement.
- POP-UP ads are not trustworthy and clicking them should be avoided.
- Be wary of crypto-currency investment advertisements.
- Don’t trust cold calls, text messages, letters, emails, or messages on social media from someone who says they can recover money you lost in a scam for a fee.
Remember, if it’s too good to be true it probably is.
If you get a suspicious call or email, especially after sending a tweet to us, or if you notice any suspicious activity:
- Terminate the call without providing any personal details or financial information.
- Do not respond to or click on any links in suspicious texts or emails.
- Never provide your full banking PIN to anyone.
- Report your concerns to 365security@boi.com (include the phone number, a screenshot of the text if possible, or forward the email).
You can also contact us on one of the emergency numbers below (do not use a phone number given to you in the text or email as this could be fake):
Fraud, suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions?
To report online fraud, suspicious activity, unauthorised transactions on your account or ATM fraud, please contact us as soon as possible via our Freephone numbers listed below.
Shared your online login details?
If you have shared your banking details in response to a suspicious email, text or call, please notify us as soon as possible via the Freephone numbers listed below.
Report a suspicious email or text
To report suspicious Bank of Ireland related emails or texts (both personal and business customers), send the suspicious email or text to 365security@boi.com
Emergency Contact Numbers
Republic of Ireland
Freephone: 1800 946 764 (personal and business)
Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Freephone: 0800 121 7790 (personal and business)
Everywhere outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Not Freephone + 353 1 679 8993
Not Freephone + 353 56 775 7007 (Lost/Stolen cards or smart device)
Fraudsters target victims in several different ways so please always remain vigilant to prevent yourself becoming a victim of investments scams. Three common ways we have seen people become a victim of an investment scam in the current low interest rate environment are:
- Fraudsters are posing as legitimate firms and offering higher interest returns. People fall victim to these scams when they are researching products with better returns; such as investments, bonds & bitcoin, they come across the fraudulent company online and invest their money with them. These legitimate firms may appear to be endorsed by celebrities or high-profile names.
- Fraudsters contact people offering an investment opportunity by telephone call, text message, email, letter or home visit. Often the fraudster will put you under pressure to commit to the investment opportunity quickly.
- Fraudsters contact people who have already fallen victim to an investment scam, promising a recovery of their money for an upfront administration fee.