The scam comes from individuals pretending to be from AIB.
An Garda Síochána has issued an alert warning the public of a ‘smishing’ scam whereby persons are being contacted by text message from individuals purporting to be from Allied Irish Bank (AIB).
The scammers are attempting to lead the victims to believe that their bank card has been compromised.
The individual is contacted by text message asking them to log onto a website in order to receive a new card. As part of the process, they are requested to insert their pin number and other personal data.
Once this is completed, they are requested to send the compromised card to one of three addresses, none of which are linked to AIB.
Gardaí are advising the public to never click a link in an unsolicited text, never give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers and passwords, and to remember that a financial institution would never request a customer to return a card to the bank in such circumstances.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) are working very closely with AIB and other financial institutions, to identify those behind this fraud and those who receive, or use, the stolen data or cards.
An Garda Síochána is also urging all persons not to respond to such text messages, but instead to take a screenshot of the message, delete it and report to your local Garda station.
A smishing scam is also known as the fraudulent practice of sending text messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Superintendent Michael Cryan, speaking on Tuesday, reiterated the importance of never giving out personal or sensitive details to unverified sources.
“I would encourage members of the public never to give out personal or sensitive information online unless you are sure of the source,” he said.
“Financial institutions will never contact you in this way and a bank will never request you to return your card in this manner. I would encourage anyone who receives these text messages to take a screenshot of the text, delete the text and to report it to their bank and local Garda station.”
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