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Other Fraud Prevention information

Card Fraud

Chip and PIN has changed the way we pay for goods and services. It is easy and secure:

  • Using your PIN to verify transactions will make card fraud considerably more difficult
  • Take care when entering your PIN - always keep it safe, cover the keypad when entering the PIN, never tell anyone what it is and never write it down or record it on any device
  • Keep your PIN secure at all times. Do not choose a number that might be easily guessed like your date of birth or numbers in descending 9876 or ascending order 1234 or four of the same numbers 1111/9999
  • When paying for goods and services prevent your card being compromised by insisting on being present when your card is being processed
  • You should never provide your PIN when carrying out telephone and internet transactions, or purchase by mail order
  • From time to time, as part of the Bank's Fraud Monitoring System, the Bank may issue a 'referral' message to a retailer. In such circumstances, the retailer is required to contact the Bank to verify the Cardholder. A security check can then be carried out in order to ensure that it is the genuine cardholder using the card. For non face to face transactions (e.g. mail order or on-line purchases), the transaction may be declined for this reason. If you have any difficulty using your credit card, please turn to the back of the card and ring the Lost/Stolen telephone number or you can contact our 24 hour Emergency Helpline on 00353-1-4005050

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Card Fraud - holiday travel

When on holidays you will be more relaxed and perhaps less vigilant so here are a few tips:

  • When paying for anything with your credit or debit card don't let the card out of your sight. You can always accompany the staff member to the payment terminal or ask if the terminal device can be brought to you
  • In shops, bars and nightclubs you should always check the amount you are paying at the retailer's terminal before entering your PIN. Once the PIN is entered, the Bank will deem you to have authorised that amount to be debited from your account
  • Consider whether it is necessary to carry all your cards with you when you go out. Either you or your husband/wife/partner could leave the card(s) safely locked away somewhere
  • Have details of who to contact (in your card issuing bank) in the event that you lose your card or it is stolen, why not enter the number of the lost/stolen card unit into your mobile phone
  • Have your card number(s) and account number(s) details available in the event that you should lose or have your card stolen
  • Always keep your card(s) and data in a safe place
  • You should never leave you card out of your possession to cover a rolling bill or tab and always ask for a receipt
  • Be careful with your PIN, never divulge it to anyone for any reason

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ATM Fraud

Golden rule to reduce ATM crime - always remember:

  • Be aware of your physical surroundings
  • Check that other people in the queue are at a reasonable distance
  • Shield your PIN number with your hand to prevent hidden cameras or person from capturing your information. Never reveal your PIN to anyone
  • Use ATM machines which are in clear view and well lit. Be careful of machines in dark areas or places that don't appear to be well monitored. If suspicious, walk away

Observe the ATM

  • Pay attention to the front of the machine - if the front of the machine looks different from others in the area (for example, if it has an extra mirror on the face), has sticky residue on it (potentially from a device attached to it) or extra signage, use a different machine and notify bank management with your concerns
  • Pay close attention to the slot where you insert your card, if you're visiting an unfamiliar ATM machine; examine it carefully for hidden devices. Even if you are familiar with an ATM machine, pay attention to any differences or unusual characteristics of the card reader
  • If the ATM appears to have anything stuck onto the card slot or keypad, do not use it. Cancel the transaction and walk away and immediately notify your local Garda/Police station
  • Never try to remove suspicious devices yourself

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Counterfeit notes - Euro

Is your Euro note genuine or counterfeit? Here are some things you can check:

  • Feel - you can feel the raised intaglio printing on all genuine notes and also the tactile marks on the €200 and €500 banknotes
  • Look - hold the note against a bright light source, the denomination (e.g. €5, €10, €20 etc) in the top left hand corner should be fully visible and perfectly formed
  • Tilt - look at the colour shifting ink on the reverse side of the high value notes (i.e. €50, €100 etc). The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but appears olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle. On the reverse of low-value notes (i.e. €5, €10, and €20) look for the iridescent stripe that shines against bright light
  • Check - you can see a security thread embedded in the genuine note. If you hold the banknote against a bright light source you can see the watermark and the security thread on the note. The watermark is visible from the front and back of the note. The watermark comprises the main architectural motif and the value numeral of the note

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Counterfeit notes - Sterling

If you discover a possible fake note check the following:

  • Feel - Most notes are embossed, usually the writing or the logo. The note should feel crisp, not limp, waxy or shiny. Security paper and special printing processes give banknotes a unique feel
  • Look - Print lines should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges. The colours should be clear and distinct with no hazy fringes
  • Tilt - Check for the watermark image and security thread. The watermark should be hardly apparent until the note is held against a bright light source. Check for hologram features on some of the notes
  • UV light - Under ultraviolet (UV) light, barcodes are visible
  • Compare - Compare both sides of the notes to one you know is genuine
  • Detector pen - Don't rely totally on the pen - use it as a guide. Be careful not to use the pen on ordinary paper as this will lower its effectiveness and may lead to a genuine note being marked as fake
  • For all bank notes, do not rely on just one feature to assess whether a note is genuine, check a few. If in doubt, refer the item to your local financial institution

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Investor Fraud (Boiler room fraud)

Overseas companies (usually unauthorised) make unsolicited contact and offer to sell shares which are about to 'go through the roof', or they may invite you to invest further monies to capitalise on 'inside' information.

Always remember:

  • Check if the company is authorised (by a financial regulator) to deal in such investments
  • Get independent advice from a qualified financial advisor before investing
  • Report any unsolicited approaches
  • Do not respond to high pressure tactics
  • When investing with a regulated firm, always make your cheque payable to the named financial institution

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Fraud against the elderly

Elderly people can be particularly at risk from bogus traders/callers who set out to gain their confidence before taking financial advantage of them.

Typically these people call door-to-door and offer to carry out works such as replacing roof tiles, mending guttering, decorating or they 'convince' the victim that repairs are necessary. Some of these people carry out a little work and charge exorbitant amounts of money for their service. In many cases the work is unnecessary. On completing the work in a very short time, they then demand substantial payment often using threatening and intimidating tactics. In some instances, they offer to drive the victim to the bank to withdraw the cash.

Always remember:

  • You should never leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in your home
  • Never engage a person who insists on cash payments for services offered. Most reputable traders will not ask for money up front. Always use a method of payment which is traceable
  • Never sign a blank form for any reason - it could cost you dearly

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Cheques and drafts fraud

Always remember:

  • Control who has access to your cheque books
  • Do not sign cheques in advance
  • Ensure all issued cheques and unused cheque numbers are accounted for. Check this when you get a new cheque book and review regularly to ensure no cheques are missing
  • Cross all cheques 'a/c payee only'

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Money mules (job vacancies)

Money mules are people recruited by criminals to help transfer fraudulently obtained money from bank accounts. Fraudsters contact prospective victims with 'job vacancy' adverts on the internet, on job search websites or in newspapers. These jobs are usually advertised as 'Financial Manager' or 'Payments Clerk' with no other requirement than having a bank account. The mule accepts the 'job' in good faith and does not suspect that they are being duped into involvement in criminal activity. Once recruited a Money mule receives stolen funds into their account, followed by a request to forward the funds, minus their commission, usually overseas, using a wire transfer service.

Always remember:

  • Thoroughly research any work-from-home offer and do not get involved unless you are sure the business is legitimate
  • If a job sounds too good to be true, then it probably is

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Lottery fraud

Another scam currently being carried out by various groups of international fraudsters involves victims being contacted by email in which they are advised that they have won the lottery. No ticket purchase was necessary - according to the scammers. The victim is encouraged to pay a fee before the 'winning' lottery cheque is handed over. This scheme is a fraud and you should not become involved or communicate with them in any way as these winnings do not exist.

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Identity Check

Before you pay money into or out of your Account in one of our branches, we can sometimes ask you to show us (and allow us copy) proof of your identity for example, a passport or photo Ireland/UK driving licence. We do this in order to protect your Account from the risk of fraud or following a period of inactivity on your account.