20 March 2025
Fraud Awareness
Protecting You and Your Current Account & Debit Card from Fraud
Financial fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant. With fraudsters frequently targeting current accounts and debit cards, it’s crucial to understand how to effectively safeguard your financial information from threats such as phishing (emails), smishing, vishing, and other common scams.
Understanding Common Types of Fraud
Fraudsters employ convincing methods to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive financial information. Common methods include:
- Phishing: Fraudulent emails impersonating reputable organisations to trick you into sharing sensitive details.
- Smishing: Text messages prompting you to click links to fake websites or call fraudulent numbers under false urgency.
- Vishing: Phone calls where fraudsters pretend to represent reputable companies, persuading you to share your personal and financial details.
Recent Reports from Clonmel Credit Union Members
We have received reports from our members about receiving calls from fraudsters pretending to represent Clonmel Credit Union. These calls request members to transfer funds urgently, claiming an issue with their account. Additionally, some members received SMS messages with instructions to contact a specific phone number regarding account issues. These phone numbers redirect members back to fraudsters, not the Credit Union. It's vital to remain cautious, as these messages are fraudulent and should be ignored.
How to Recognise Fraudulent Calls and SMS
- Calls claiming to be from your Credit Union asking for immediate fund transfers.
- Requests via SMS or phone calls for sensitive information or to verify account details.
- Specific phone numbers provided in SMS messages that do not match official Credit Union contact numbers.
Protecting Your Passwords
- Always create strong passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Regularly update your passwords and never reuse passwords across multiple sites.
- Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes (OTPs). Your Credit Union will never request these details via phone, text, or email.
- Activate the highest security settings available on your devices and regularly update antivirus software.
- If you suspect a breach, immediately update your passwords and contact your Credit Union.
Safeguarding Your Debit Card
- Never share your PIN and avoid writing it down.
- Shield your PIN from view when using an ATM.
- Always check ATMs for unusual modifications or suspicious individuals.
- If someone offers unsolicited help at an ATM, decline and leave immediately.
- Never let your debit card out of your sight during payments, and ensure you review receipts thoroughly.
- Regularly check your account statements and promptly report any unrecognised transactions.
Secure Online Shopping
- Only shop on websites with secure connections indicated by "HTTPS" and a padlock icon.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for transactions or banking activities.
- Perform comprehensive checks before purchasing: verify reviews, business registration details, returns policies, and social media presence.
- Trust your instincts—offers that seem too good to be true usually are.
- Validate suspicious websites using resources like FraudSmart.ie and SCAMCHECKER.ie to ensure legitimacy.
Common Scams to Recognise
- Romance Scams: Scammers build emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money under various pretences, like travel or medical expenses.
- Money Muling: Fraudsters recruit people, often through social media, to move illegally acquired money. Never accept unsolicited offers promising easy money.
- “Dear Mum/Dad” Scams: Fraudsters pose as family members needing urgent financial assistance via unfamiliar phone numbers, manipulating victims into sending money.
Staying Safe on Social Media
- Be cautious of unsolicited friend or follow requests.
- Avoid sharing personal details publicly, including location, financial status, or daily routine.
- Regularly review your privacy settings to limit information visibility.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to the platform and your Credit Union if financial details are involved.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
- Contact your Credit Union or the 24-hour Credit Union Card Services Team immediately at +353 1 693 3333.
- Report the incident to your local Garda Station promptly to assist in investigations and prevent further fraud.
Practical Steps to Stay Protected
- Verify websites using reliable tools like FraudSmart.ie and SCAMCHECKER.ie.
- Keep personal and financial information confidential and secure.
- Regularly educate yourself and your family on the latest fraud tactics and remain cautious in all interactions.
FAQs About Fraud Protection
What if I accidentally shared my PIN or password?
Immediately contact your Credit Union to secure your account, update your credentials, and report any suspicious activity.
Can I trust emails and messages from familiar organisations?
Always independently verify messages, especially if they ask for financial details or urgent actions.
What should I do if I see suspicious activity on my account?
Contact your Credit Union immediately at +353 1 693 3333 to protect your account.
Remember the Golden Rule
Clonmel Credit Union will never contact you to request PINs, passwords, security credentials, or to instruct you to initiate transfers into or out of your account. If in doubt, contact us directly using official channels to confirm any requests or communication.
For further guidance, visit www.currentaccount.ie.
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