Fraudsters are sending texts pretending to be from a family member with a lost or damaged phone, in need of money. These texts usually follow a similar format each time, opening with “Hi Mum/Hi Dad, this is my temporary/new number…” and followed by a request for help to pay for something urgently.
- They have a temporary/new phone number.
- That help is urgently needed to pay for something.
- Payment must be made to a specific bank account OR asking for a card number, then setting it up on a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay (and asking you for the security code the bank has just sent)
Remember to Stop, Think, Check:
- STOP – if you receive a text with an unusual request from a child or family member, do not reply or click any link that may follow.
- THINK – ask yourself if the person being impersonated would make such a request of you or use the type of language/spell words used in the text
- CHECK – verify the identity of the sender by calling your family member using their usual phone number saved in your contacts or a number you know, email a screenshot of the text to 365security@boi.com, then delete the text.
Fraud, suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions?
To report online fraud, suspicious activity, unauthorised transactions on your account or ATM fraud, please contact us as soon as possible using our freephone numbers listed below.
Report a suspicious email or text
To report suspicious Bank of Ireland related emails or texts (both personal and business customers), send the suspicious email or text to 365security@boi.com.
Shared your online login details?
If you’ve shared your banking details in response to a suspicious email, text or call, please notify us as soon as possible using our freephone numbers listed below.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Republic of Ireland
Freephone: 1800 946 764 (personal and business)
Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Freephone: 0800 121 7790 (personal and business)
Everywhere outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Not Freephone + 353 1 679 8993
Not Freephone + 353 56 775 7007 (Lost/Stolen cards or smart device)