ComReg has become aware of recent scam text messages being sent to consumers.
One type of message comes from an Irish mobile number with the text containing a link, claiming to be from an Irish bank. When the sender’s Irish mobile number is called, it is diverted to an authentic bank to make the text appear to be from a trustworthy source. This appears to be designed to increase the likelihood of you clicking on the fraud link contained in the message.
A variation on this scam is a text message claiming to be from an Irish bank that does not contain a link but instead that is followed up with a phone call. These messages and follow up calls appear to be targeting individuals.
Some of the warning signs to look out for are:
- The messages come from a unfamiliar number (though it may be an Irish number).
- The sender is purporting to be from a bank.
- The text includes a link and a phone number which, if called, is diverted to an authentic bank.
- You receive a call after you receive a text where the caller tries to get you to share your personal information or click on a link.
