AIB Email Scam – Account Locked Phishing
High RiskGot a message, call or offer like this?
Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.
- Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
- Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
- Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.
Overview
A phishing email impersonating AIB claims your account has been locked due to suspicious activity, urging you to click a link to verify your identity and restore access. The link leads to a fake AIB website that captures your login credentials and card details.
What This Scam Looks Like
Tap a highlighted part to see why it's suspicious. Every red flag is also listed under the message.
URGENT: Your AIB Account Has Been Temporarily Locked2: red flag 2, show whyUrgency tactics are a red flag - banks don't create panic
This message looks suspicious. Be careful with links and attachments.
Red flags in this message
- 1
Sender: AIB Security Team <[email protected]>
Fake domain! Real AIB emails come from @aib.ie
- 2
Subject: URGENT: Your AIB Account Has Been Temporarily Locked
Urgency tactics are a red flag - banks don't create panic
- 3
“unusual activity”
Vague claim designed to create fear
- 4
“https://aib-secure-verify.com/restore-account”
Fake URL! Real AIB website is aib.ie
- 5
“24 hours”
False urgency - banks give reasonable time for verification
- 6
“permanently suspended”
Extreme threat to pressure quick action
Typical Targets
- •AIB customers
- •Anyone with an Irish bank account
- •People who bank online
- •Those worried about account security
Why This Scam Works
- •Fear of losing access to money
- •AIB branding looks official
- •Account security concerns are legitimate
- •Urgency prevents careful checking
- •Fake websites are very convincing
Example
A Galway man received an email saying his AIB account was locked due to "unusual login attempts". He clicked the link and entered his card number, PIN, and one-time password to "verify" his identity. Within an hour, €8,500 was transferred from his account to accounts in Eastern Europe.
* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.
How to Avoid This Scam
- AIB NEVER asks for your full PIN by email
- Go directly to aib.ie – don't click email links
- Check the sender's email address carefully
- AIB will never ask for your card security code
- When in doubt, call AIB directly
- Use the AIB app to check your account status
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Call AIB immediately: 0818 724 724
- 2Request account freeze and new cards
- 3Report to An Garda Síochána
- 4Change your online banking passwords
- 5Monitor all your accounts for suspicious activity
- 6Forward the phishing email to [email protected]
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
AIB 24/7 Fraud Line
0818 724 724
Report immediately
An Garda Síochána
Local station
Report the crime
FraudSMART
fraudsmart.ie
Information
New scams, as they appear
New scam warnings and safety tips, as we publish them.