Gardaí issue warning to public about recent spate of ‘smishing’ scams

Gardaí are warning the public about a recent “smishing” scam whereby people are receiving text messages from fraudsters purporting to be from Permanent TSB. 

 

The text message says there has been “unusual activity” or a “suspicious log-in attempt” on their account. 

 

Once the person clicks on the link they are brought to a cloned website where the fraudsters will seek their pins, passcodes and other personal information from them. 

 

“The information sought is far and beyond what a bank would ever seek,” gardaí from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said. 

 

“The fraudsters want your personal data so they can steal money from your bank account or purport to be you when contacting banks. 

 

“GNECB would like to warn the public to be wary of such text messages and if in any doubt of the authenticity of the text, contact their bank on the numbers they usually use. Do not use a number supplied by these texts.” 

 

There are other smishing texts being received by the public, which are purporting to be from service providers, Revenue, banks and/or delivery businesses. 

 

“Some can fit into the threads of previously received genuine texts which adds an air of authenticity to them,” gardaí added. 

 

An Garda Síochána has advised the public to: 

 

– Never click on a link of an unsolicited text, email or respond to cold callers seeking personal information. 

 

– Never give away personal data like PIN number, card numbers, passwords, one time codes, PPS numbers. 

 

– If you are expecting a delivery and receive such a text be very careful. 

 

– Banks will never text you seeking personal information such as account numbers, passwords, pin codes, mother’s maiden’s name. 

 

– If you have been a victim it’s vital to change your passwords/pin codes. 

 

– If you have responded to such a text contact your bank immediately. 

 

 

– It is also important to report the matter to gardaí. 

 

The Irish Times