Raisin, the fintech company that offers access to better savings rates in banks across Europe, has warned consumers about a new scam which sees potential victims being targeted through the mail with promises of rates that seem too good to be true.
Raisin Ireland said it had become aware of fraudulent postal brochures being sent to potential customers, claiming to offer access to savings accounts with seemingly attractive interest rates. It said the rates advertised were unrealistic and were not available through the company.
The company said the brochures encourage households that receive them to sign up for fake savings products and transfer funds from other accounts. It stressed that any such correspondence should be considered part of an elaborate scam targeting the company and consumers who might be tempted by high returns on money they have on deposit.
Raisin urged the public to exercise extreme caution and to verify all communications directly through the Raisin Ireland official website, its app or other approved contact channels.
“We take the protection of consumers extremely seriously. Raisin does not send unsolicited postal brochures requesting deposits,” said Eoghan O’Hara, country manager for Raisin Ireland.
Customers “should only open accounts and transfer funds through their secure Raisin account”, he said. “If a customer receives any unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be Raisin, they should contact us immediately using the contact details on our website.
O’Hara stressed that Raisin does not request any deposits via postal brochures or any other form of unsolicited contact and will never contact an individual to convince them to sign up for a savings product or ask them to make any kind of transfer.
He also reminded people that accounts can only be opened by an individual through the official website and said that Raisin does not operate through third-party agents, WhatsApp messages or unsolicited phone calls requesting funds.
Anyone who receives suspicious communication claiming to be from Raisin should report it immediately and consumers who believe they may have transferred funds in response to a fraudulent brochure should contact their bank immediately and report the matter to An Garda Síochána.