AIB Bank have advised on some of the ways criminals can scam you and how you can avoid it.
- Criminals set up dummy websites to advertise an investment opportunity that looks to good to miss. They promise high interest rates, high returns on your investment, and the latest crypto opportunity, using genuine company names and products in the scams.
WHAT TO DO: Get a second opinion from someone you trust. - Criminals advertise cheap brands online. Clothing, cars, machinery and accommodation. They get you to pay before you receive the goods, which you never do.
WHAT TO DO : Check out the goods or services first by searching for the brand’s website to see if they are having a sale. There should be a closed padlock symbol in the brand’s web address which should start with HTTPS:// rather than HTTP. - That lovely person you met online convinces you not only of their affection, but their sudden illness. They say they need money for medical bills, or even an air fare to come and see you.
WHAT TO DO: Don’t send money to people you have only ever met online, think carefully about who you trust. - Someone pretending to be a bank employee calls you or texts you about a problem with your account. They want you to move money to a safe account.
WHAT TO DO: Hang up. Banks will never ask you to move your money. - An email from the boss. Someone impersonates a senior person in your organisation telling you to transfer money to a supplier quickly.
WHAT TO DO: Double check their email address or call them to check they are who they say they are. - Criminals send you fake invoices for goods or services that were never provided. They ask you to pay for them into a fraudulent account.
WHAT TO DO: Call the supplier to check the details.