Protect Yourself from Phone, Text and Online Scams
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and unfortunately credit union members are being actively targeted through phone calls, text messages and emails. These scams can look and sound very convincing, but knowing how they work and what to watch out for can help protect your money and personal information.
At St. Canice’s Credit Union, your security is extremely important to us. By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud.
Credit Unions Are Being Targeted
It has come to our attention that there have been cases all over the country where members are receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from their Credit Union. In some instances, fraudsters have used familiar names, local phone numbers, or details that make the call seem genuine.
These calls are designed to build trust and create urgency, encouraging members to act quickly without fully checking the legitimacy of the contact. If you ever feel unsure, even if the request seems reasonable, it is always best to stop and check directly with us.
How These Scams Usually Work
Many scams currently in circulation follow a similar pattern. Members may receive a text message suggesting that a call from their Credit Union is due, often claiming to come from a security or card services team, followed by a phone call shortly afterwards.
Fraudsters now use advanced techniques that allow messages to appear within genuine text message threads and phone numbers to appear local or familiar. During the call, the person may already have basic personal details such as your name or address. This information is often obtained from data leaks or public sources and is used solely to make the interaction seem more trustworthy.
In some cases, members may be sent a security or authorisation code and asked to share or enter it to “secure an account”, “cancel a fraudulent transaction” or “process a refund”.
It is important to know that requests like this are a known scam technique. Sharing these codes does not protect your account, instead, it can allow a fraudster to gain access. If this ever happens, stopping the interaction and checking directly with your Credit Union is the safest course of action.
Important Information to Remember
Your Credit Union will never:
- Ask for your full card number, PIN, online banking password or one-time security codes
- Send you links by text message
- Ask you to transfer money or withdraw cash
- Ask you to delete your mobile banking app
- Ask you to avoid logging into your account
If any caller or message asks for these details, it is not genuine.
Warning Signs of a Scam
- ➤ Unsolicited calls, texts or emails that you were not expecting
- ➤ Pressure to act immediately or threats that money will be lost
- ➤ Requests for personal or security information
- ➤ Being told not to contact your Credit Union while checks are ongoing
- ➤ Phone numbers or messages that look genuine but feel unusual
⚠ If something does not feel right, trust your instincts. ⚠
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call or Message
- ➤ Do not engage with the message or caller
- ➤ Do not click on any links or reply
- ➤ Hang up and contact your Credit Union using a trusted number, such as the number on the back of your card or our website
- ➤ Never share personal, card or security information
- ➤ Block and delete suspicious messages
Genuine Credit Union staff will always understand and encourage you to verify contact.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you may have responded to a scam or shared information:
- Contact your Credit Union immediately
- Report the incident to An Garda Síochána
Let us know as soon as possible so we can help protect your account and other members by calling us directly on 056 7722042.
The sooner action is taken, the better the chance of limiting any impact.
We have a number of other blog posts highlighting difference types of scams. Please take some time to read them, if you click on the titles it will bring you to the information.
