Bank of Ireland is warning customers to be extra vigilant of scam messages seeking payment of customs charges with new rules due to come into effect this week.
From Wednesday, 1 July charges will be applied to all purchases valued at less than €150 entering Ireland from outside the EU, with each unique item in a package subject to a €3 charge plus VAT.
Bank of Ireland said the change is likely to result in a surge of fraud attempts, as criminals seek to exploit customers who may be expecting to pay custom charges.
The bank is advising people to treat any messages about customs charges with extreme caution.
“Fraudsters are always on the lookout for emerging opportunities, and the introduction of new custom charges enables them to exploit the situation. From 1 July, we are urging people to be extra vigilant of scam messages with links requesting customs charges,” Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud Protection at Bank of Ireland, said.
Ms Sadlier said the most effective defence is a ‘zero trust’ approach.
“Pause and question any unexpected contact, even if it appears to come from a delivery company or another trusted organisation,” she advisded.
“Never rely on phone numbers or links provided in messages. Instead, contact the seller or organisation directly using details from the official website. Stop, think and check before you click,” she added.
Bank of Ireland said that An Post will never send a customer a payment link in a text message and any customs-related text claiming to be from An Post that includes a clickable link should be treated as a scam.
Similarly, Revenue will never contact customers seeking payment of customs charges by text, it added.
Bank of Ireland is urging customers to remain vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves from scams.
What you can do
– Do not click on or open suspicious links and attachments in a text message that appears to come from a trusted source.
– If you click on a suspicious link or if you are unsure whether a message is genuine, call the bank on Freephone numbers [1800 946 764] as soon as possible.
– Never respond to a text message unless you are sure the text is genuine.
– Always independently verify any request for payment or personal information.
The bank also advises consumers not to share:
– Your full card details (for example, your 16-digit number, expiry date and CVC)
– Your six-digit passcode or full 365 PIN
– Any one-time activation codes.
– Online banking credentials.