Be Informed

• Don’t assume you can trust caller ID. Phone numbers can be spoofed so it looks like the fraudster is calling from a genuine company. Look up the number independently using the phonebook or website. NEVER use a number given to you by the caller. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your need to validate them. Make sure you hear a dial tone before you dial – the fraudster may hold the landline open by not hanging up so when you pick up the phone to dial out to check, you are still speaking with the fraudster. 
• Fraudsters may already have basic information about you in their possession (e.g., name, address, date of birth). Do not assume a caller is genuine because they have these details.
• Never click on suspicious links, or open attachments from unknown email sources 
• Never share your security details, PIN, or full online banking details. We would never ask you to disclose these!

Be Alert

• To random or unexpected emails, calls, or texts about your banking or finances: Always double-check they are who they say they are! Fraudsters can change an email address to make it look like it has come from a legitimate source. Look out for different contact numbers and/or a slight change in the email address e.g., ‘.com’ instead of ‘.ie’.
• Be wary of payment requests that are unexpected or irregular, whatever the amount involved. If in any doubt, do not make the payment, however urgent it may seem or whatever the suggested outcome(s).
• Do not click on pop-ups or adverts that state that you have won a prize or adverts on social media. Be cautious of emails with special offers. Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Always check your statements, and if you notice any unusual transactions, report them to us immediately.

Be Secure

• Limit or restrict the personal information you share across all social media platforms. Use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles.
• Never use public wi-fi for online banking. Always check for the ‘S’ in https when using websites, especially when shopping online.
• Don’t allow yourself to be rushed. Take your time. The fraudster may try to make you feel foolish or negligent if you don’t follow their instructions.
• Never give your security details such as a full banking password, code/login details, or PIN to anyone.
• Do not click on a link, attachment, or image that you receive in an unsolicited text without first verifying the text and understanding what you are clicking on.

If you want to learn more about how fraud can present in our daily lives, please visit www.fraudsmart.ie which has a range of educational tools, videos, and brochures.