AIB warn Louth customers of 'ongoing threat' as people are scammed 'unexpectedly'

AIB has written to Irish banking customers to warn them of "an ongoing threat of text message and phone call fraud" amid reports of people being scammed unexpectedly.

The bank's Financial Crime Prevention team wrote to customers with a warning and advice to avoid the scam.

The email read: "It is essential to stay alert and protect your personal information. Fraudsters often use the names of legitimate institutions to trick individuals into sharing personal information."

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They offered a number of tops to safeguard yourself from scammers:

• Avoid clicking on links or calling numbers provided in suspicious messages.

• Never share your login details, passcodes, or card reader code in response to a call or text.

• Never give your card or PIN to anyone. We will never send someone to collect it.

• If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and call back on a known and trusted number.

• Never visit websites or download applications to your device on the back of a suspicious text message or phone call.

The statement added: "If you receive an unexpected message or call, consider whether it may potentially be a scam. Please report the fraud message to us using the form available on the security centre on our website.

"Here, you will also find what supports we have available, including our 24/7 fraud support line if you feel you have been the victim of a scam.

"We are always here to support you. Stay vigilant and contact us if you have any concerns."