Suspicious Transactions
Fraud on financial transactions is becoming more frequent; we need to do more to protect ourselves from becoming victims of fraud.
While most financial frauds still use phone, texts and emails to commit the crime, fraudsters are using technology and publicly available information to scam people.
As a valued member of Our Credit Union, we hope this guide will help you to become more fraud aware.
If you receive a text from an unknown sender, please DO NOT click the link. Likewise if you receive a suspicious call, hang up and DO NOT provide any information, such as a one time Passcode or PIN.
Connect Credit Union will never ask you for a one time password or to click a link.
If you believe you have been a victim of Debit Card or any other type of financial fraud on your Current Account, report it immediately and call Card Services on 01 693 3333 available 24/7.
What to look out for
Don’t Respond to high pressure tactics to divulge your current account or personal
details if you are unsure of the caller, take their details and say you will ring them back.
Independently verify the phone number they give you to ring back before returning
the call.
A need to transfer money - Scam calls can try to get you to transfer money for security
purposes or to a safe/secure/holding account. Do not do this. Your Credit Union would
never ask you to move money to a ‘safe’ account.
Refunds - If a call offers you an unsolicited refund it may be a scam. Your Credit Union
would never call you about a refund of any kind requesting your account details.
Test transactions - If a call asks you to do a test transaction, then it’s a scam. Your
Credit Union would never ask you to do this.
Calls from the Gardai - It’s very rare for the Gardai to contact you regarding financial
services. If they do call, tell them you will phone them back. Verify the Garda Station
details you are to ring back before returning the call.
You’re asked to log on to your computer - A scam call may tell you there’s something
wrong with your computer or ask you to download something to improve your
computers speed or performance. They could pretend to be from your broadband
provider or trusted software company. If you didn’t ask for this call, it is most likely a
scam, and you should hang up
Protect Your account from the Following
What is Phishing? - Email
A Fraudulent attempt via email to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and Debit Card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy representative of a company or organisation.
What is Vishing? – Phone Call
A fraudster can phone you, claiming to be from your Credit Union, bank, the Gardaí,
Revenue or a service provider such as a telephone company, internet provider or
computer company. They trick you into believing they are a legitimate representative
of the organisation and that it is in your interest to give information such as your personal financial credentials; Like a one time passcode which is required for 3D secure transactions and setting up your smart phone with Apple Pay, Google Pay and
Fitbit pay.
What is Smishing? - Test Message
Text messages sent to random phone numbers requesting you to click on an attached
‘link’ to ‘update’ ‘verify’ or ‘activate’ your personal details on your account. The link
brings you to a fake website where the fraudster is pretending to be the legitimate
company.
Card Safety – Keep your Card & PIN details Safe
What to look out for:
ATM Distraction: Be aware of others around you especially people offering help –
If a stranger offers to help you at a cash machine, put your card away and leave.
This is most likely a scam to try and see your PIN and steal your card.
Be Aware of any damage or obvious fixtures to the ATM that look out of the
ordinary. If in doubt, use another ATM.
Lost or Stolen Cards: Fraudsters have been known to intercept Debit Cards and
PIN numbers in the post. Be mindful of leaving post sitting in a mailbox especially
if you live in an apartment block where other people may have access to the post
boxes or if you are away for a period of time.
What you can do:
• Shield your PIN & check there is no one near you before using an ATM.
• Don’t use the ATM if there are signs of tampering.
• If the ATM doesn’t return your Debit Card, report it to your Credit Union or contact
Credit Union Card Services immediately on +353 1 693 3333 available 24/7.
• Protect Your PIN: Your Debit Card is secured with a Chip & PIN – do not share your
PIN with anyone.
• Never write your PIN down or share it with anyone. If you believe your Debit Card
or PIN has been compromised, contact your Credit Union or Credit Union card
services immediately on +353 1 693 3333 available 24/7.
