New figures from FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), show that victims of text message scams or ‘smishing’ were tricked out of an average of €1,700 during the first half of this year. The figures also show that over the same period businesses were conned out of an average of €14,000 due to invoice fraud.
The figures come as FraudSMART launches a new information and awareness campaign urging both consumers and business to be on high alert for impersonation type scams as thousands of bank customers prepare to move their bank accounts over the coming months due to the exit of Ulster Bank and KBC from the Irish market.
Speaking on the latest fraud trends and what is anticipated over the coming months, Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial BPFI and FraudSMART lead said: “FraudSMART members have seen text message scams almost double in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year with consumers conned out of an average of €1,700 per scam. Businesses meanwhile are suffering average losses of €14,000 due to invoice fraud, however this can increase to €50k in some cases.”
“Fraudsters are experts at taking advantage of changing situations to commit fraud and with two retail banks leaving the Irish market and hundreds of thousands of personal and businesses customers moving bank accounts FraudSMART members are anticipating we may see a rise in impersonation fraud attempts which will be based around the process of verifying and updating bank account details.”
“In response we have this week launched an information and awareness campaign urging consumer and business to be on high alert in the coming weeks and months to fake text messages, emails or calls pretending to come from trusted organisations such as your bank, utility company, streaming service, mobile provider or even your employers HR Department.”
Fake bank texts targeting personal customers
“For personal customers we expect fraudsters will use this account transition period to obtain personal information through the guise of a problem with a customer’s new account set-up or switch. We are warning consumers to be on the lookout for text messages that flag fraud on your bank account or impending cancelation of your salary, standing orders, or direct debits to utilities and which then go on to ask for personal information or account details. We are aware that fraudsters have recently started to follow up these texts with a phone call from a number that appears to be your bank.”
Businesses at serious risk
Niamh Davenport also outlined the increased risk for business: “We are also issuing a serious warning to businesses who are particularly vulnerable in the current environment. With over 70,000 businesses due to move their accounts there is a greater threat than ever of invoice fraud the effects of which can be devastating particularly for SMEs. Already this year FraudSMART members have seen over 100 cases of invoice fraud with businesses suffering a average losses of €14k but which can range up to €50k. Invoice fraud involves a fraudster notifying your company that supplier payment details have changed and providing alternative details in order to defraud you. The fraudster could be claiming to be from your company's genuine supplier, or even be posing as a member of your own firm. With so many businesses who will now be legitimately changing their account details, this provides the prefect opportunity for criminals to take advantage.”
Niamh Davenport concluded: “As we launch our campaign this week which people will hear on the radio as well as see online and via social media, our key message, be it to consumers or business, is to take your time, never click on links in texts or emails and verify any communication, text or email, and do so by using contact details you have on file, the back of your bank card or via a website directly.”
For further information and a host of fraud advice consumers and business can check out www.fraudsmart.ie
