Email Scams

Scams come in many forms, such as “phishing” emails, fraudulent text messages, and phone calls.  These all have the same goal – the unauthorized use of your information.

It is very important for you to know that Ireland Bank will NEVER ask you to send your account information over email.  Do not reply to emails that ask for your account information.  Do not give your account information to phone solicitors or provide your credit card or debit card number online.  Ireland Bank will never call or email you for that information – we already have it.

Many banks across the nation and The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have reported several email scams that appear, on the surface, very realistic.  These emails often contain logos and verbiage that are designed to convince you that they are from a bank or the government.  These emails can contain hyperlinks and/or infected attachments.  They are designed to collect personal or confidential information, or to pass virus software to your computer system.

Early Clues for Detecting Email Spam

• Ireland Bank will NEVER ask you to send your account information via an email.
• The FDIC does not directly contact consumers, nor do they request bank customers to install software or updates.
• Phishing emails often appear with spelling errors and include a variety of scenarios like “ACH and WIRE transactions being temporarily suspended for security reasons or until certain software can be installed or updated” or “Reports of counterfeit cashier’s checks in circulation bearing the name of a well-known bank, credit union, or other financial institution.”
• The people looking to steal your information do not easily give up.  These fraudulent emails may be modified over time with other subject lines, sender names, and narratives.

What to do if you receive a fraudulent email:

• NEVER click on a link provided within the body of an email or attempt to open an attached file.
• Never provide any personal information through this media.
• If you clicked the link or the attached file and are not sure your computer is safe, immediately shut it down and contact your computer professional to scan for and/or remove the malware.
• Do not use your computer to connect to or contact any financial institution or conduct any financial transactions until you or your computer professional are sure that it is safe to use.
• If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, report the situation to your local Ireland Bank branch immediately.