Bank of Ireland has issued a warning about a new scam in which fraudsters are duping customers into allowing remote access to their computers and bank accounts.
The customer gets a phone call from someone claiming to be from Bank of Ireland and they are asked to log into their online banking.
The fraudster then asks the customer to go to another new website address, saying that this is for a live chat service or to verify the customer's PC, but in reality it allows the fraudster remote access to the customer’s computer.
Bank of Ireland is advising customers to hang up if they get a call from someone who asks them to go to a website or to click on a link that they are sent.
The bank said the fraudsters are mainly targeting business banking customers and that reports of this type of scam to its fraud line are increasing daily.
Bank of Ireland is launching a major national fraud awareness campaign to warn customers of the prevalence of fraud.
A survey has showed that 96% of consumers believe they will be targeted in the next six months, and 82% saying they are targeted at least once per month.
"This new scam is of particular concern as fraudsters are convincing people to allow access to their PCs via a fake 'live chat’, where they can access business customers’ online banking, and other personal files and information," said Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland.
"We are urging customers to take extra care when logging into their online banking, to ensure it is a legitimate site," Ms Sadlier said.
