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.
Lost or stolen card?
As soon as you believe your card has been lost or stolen, please get in touch. We’ll cancel your card as soon as you tell us it’s missing and get a new card issued to your address (the one we have on file for you) in 5 to 7 working days.
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)