Fraudsters sometimes target legitimate sellers of goods or services by posing as new customers and placing an order.
The fraudster typically pays the seller a higher amount than agreed ‘by accident’ by cheque or bank draft in a bank branch. The fraudster then pressurises the seller to return all or some of the payment online as quick as possible.
Meanwhile, the original cheque or bank draft is rejected as it is usually forged or counterfeit. However, the money returned by the seller will have already been paid directly into the fraudster’s account.
- Don’t make any refunds until you are satisfied that a genuine payment has been received into your account. If in doubt, refer to your local branch.
- Always carry out appropriate due diligence when dealing with a new customer, particularly if they request an immediate refund due to overpayment being sent to you.
- If you are concerned that you have been targeted by an overpayment scam, contact us immediately and report the suspected fraud to An Garda Síochána.