Scams and Fraud Questions

How can I protect myself from scams and fraud?

When you get a new card

Sign your cards as soon as you receive them and cut up your old cards into small pieces when they have expired.
Keep your cards in a safe place.
Memorise your PIN when you get it and destroy the slip.
Change your PIN (at your ATM or branch) to one you can remember more easily if you have difficulty memorising it. Avoid using easily guessed PINs such as birth dates.
Put the number for your bank or credit card company’s lost and stolen card line into your phone.

When you are buying goods and services

Never let your card out of your sight because cards can be copied in just a few seconds. If the card terminal is not in front of you ask to go with the staff member to the terminal to complete the transaction.
Always cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN at ATMs and in shops.
Never accept a cheque or draft from anyone you don’t know or trust, especially if they offer to send you a cheque of higher value than the goods you are selling and want you to send back the balance in money.
If you are buying or selling online use reputable traders and before you buy, check what protections you have if you use an online payment account or your credit card.
Contactless payments can be handy, but be careful about how you use them. Tapping for smaller amounts can be convenient, but could also mean paying less attention to how you use your card. If you’re in a shop, bar or restaurant always make sure you tap the card yourself or get staff to show you the terminal as they tap your card so you can see the amount is correct.

When you are using an ATM

Cancel the transaction if the ATM does not appear to be working or looks like it has been tampered with.
Choose another machine to use if there is anyone acting suspiciously.
Don’t accept help from a ‘friendly’ passer-by, if an ATM swallows your card and you haven’t entered your PIN incorrectly three times. They may have tampered with the ATM or may try to get your PIN. Contact the Gardaí immediately if you are in doubt.
Discreetly put your cards and cash away before you leave, once your transaction is completed.
Use ATMs that are well lit and in clear view

When you check your transactions

Contact your bank or credit card company straight away if you notice a transaction on your statement or when checking your accounts online. Give them details of the transaction such as the date and reference and request that they follow it up immediately.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be your card provider
Never give your personal details even if they claim to be your provider. This could be a hoax phone call or a scam called ‘phishing’, where someone pretending to be your provider will get your personal finance details through an email and try to steal your money.
Contact your service provider (on the number you would usually use) to check or report the incident.

When you are travelling

You may be liable for any money you put on to your card if your credit card is stolen, so check with your credit card company before you travel.
Make a note of the 24 hour emergency number, before you go.
Advise your bank you are travelling abroad. If they see foreign transactions they might have to contact you to make sure it is you making the transaction!

If you have been scammed

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your card provider immediately. Don’t wait to report the issue, as you could be held liable for any transactions made by a scammer made before you make the report.
If you think you have been the victim of fraud, contact your local Garda station.