Bank & Refund Scams

Emails or texts claiming to be from AIB, BOI, or Revenue about locked accounts or refunds.

Overview

Bank and refund scams impersonate trusted financial institutions like AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and Revenue.ie. These sophisticated phishing attacks use official-looking emails and replica websites to trick you into revealing your banking credentials, card details, and personal information. The financial losses from these scams can be devastating.

Common Approaches

How scammers typically operate in this category:

•Emails claiming your account has been locked due to suspicious activity
•Texts about "unusual login attempts" requiring immediate verification
•Revenue emails promising tax refunds if you click a link
•Calls from "bank security" about fraudulent transactions
•SMS with links to "verify" your account details

Scams in this Category (5)

Revenue.ie Balance Due Scam

Fake Revenue emails or calls threatening legal action or audit unless you pay immediately.

High

Revenue.ie Tax Refund Email Scam

Phishing emails claiming you're owed a tax refund, asking for banking details.

High

Raisin Postal Savings Scam

Fraudulent postal brochures impersonating Raisin Ireland, offering bogus savings rates and urging transfers to accounts controlled by criminals.

High

AIB Email Scam – Account Locked Phishing

Trending

Phishing emails impersonating AIB claiming your account is locked due to suspicious activity.

High

Bank Courier Card Collection Scam

Callers posing as your bank's fraud team send a courier or taxi to your door to collect your bank card, after asking for your PIN.

Critical

How to Protect Yourself

Banks NEVER ask for your full PIN, card security code, or passwords by email/text
Always access your bank by typing the address directly or using the official app
Revenue never sends refund notifications by email – check myAccount directly
Be suspicious of any communication creating urgency about your account
If in doubt, hang up and call your bank using the number on your card
Enable two-factor authentication on all banking apps

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an email from my bank is real?

Your bank will never ask for your PIN, full card number, or passwords. Check the sender's email address carefully (not just the display name). When in doubt, don't click any links – instead, log in to your banking app or call the number on the back of your card.

What if I've already given my banking details?

Contact your bank's fraud line immediately – the number is on the back of your card. Request that your account be frozen and cards cancelled. Change your online banking password from a secure device. Report to An Garda Síochána.

Does Revenue send emails about tax refunds?

No. Revenue does not send emails or texts about refunds. All communications about tax refunds go through your myAccount or ROS account. Any email claiming to be from Revenue about a refund is a scam.

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