Current Scams in Ireland Today...
⚡ Electricity Grant SMS Scam
What’s Happening
A fraudulent SMS circulating in Ireland claims that Credit Union members may qualify for a
“€1,500 electricity grant” if they have savings with their Credit Union.
The message directs users to the website:
union-credits.com
This site is not affiliated with any legitimate Irish Credit Union and is part of a phishing campaign designed to harvest personal and financial information.
How the Scam Works
Members receive an SMS about an electricity grant
They are directed to a fake website
The site requests banking or personal information
Fraudsters use this to commit financial fraud
Red Flags
Unsolicited text about grants
Links to non-official domains
Requests for passwords, PINs, or security codes
Reminder
Credit Unions in Ireland are not offering electricity grants via SMS. Official government energy credits are applied automatically and do not require text applications.
Phishing Scams
Fraudulent emails designed to trick you into clicking links or entering personal information.
Protect Yourself:
Never enter banking details from an email link
We will NEVER ask for full passwords or PINs via email
Smishing (Text Message) Scams
Scammers send texts claiming suspicious activity, payment issues, or fake rewards.
Red Flags:
Unexpected texts with links
Messages demanding immediate action
Vishing (Phone Call) Fraud
Fraudsters call pretending to be credit union staff or government agencies.
We will NEVER ask:
For your full online banking password
For your full PIN
To transfer money to a “safe account”
Account Takeover Fraud
Scammers use stolen credentials to access online banking.
Protect Yourself:
Use strong, unique passwords
Turn on two-factor authentication
Never share one-time codes
“New Payee Added to Your Account” Text Message Scam
We are aware of fraudulent text messages circulating in Ireland claiming:
“A new payee has been added to your account. please contact us on (01) 1234567 if you did not create this payee.”
This message is not from your Credit Union and is part of a phishing (smishing) campaign designed to steal your banking details.
Other Scams
- Courier/Taxi Bank Card Scam: Fraudsters call pretending to be from your bank, claiming your account is compromised, and then send a courier or taxi driver to your home to collect your physical card and PIN.
- "Think Before You Tap" (Overcharging Scam): Retailers or fraudsters in busy environments are deliberately overcharging customers at the point of sale (e.g., entering €100 instead of €10).
- Investment & Crypto Scams: Fake online articles are promoting fake high-return financial products or cryptocurrencies.
- Bank "Safe Account" Scam: A text or call prompts victims to transfer funds to a new "safe account" to protect money from a supposed hack.
- Impersonation & Bogus Websites: Fraudsters are mimicking official organizations like Revenue, An Post, and various banks to steal credentials, with over 200 fake sites reported.
- Rogue Trader/Door-to-Door: Individuals impersonating workers offering services like power washing or painting to gain entry or payment.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share PINs, passwords, or card reader codes over the phone, even if the caller claims to be your bank
- Never share PINs, passwords, or card reader codes over the phone, even if the caller claims to be your bank
- Verify any unexpected communication by contacting the company directly using a known, official phone number—never call back a number that calls you.
- Report any suspicious incidents to your bank immediately and report to An Garda Síochána.
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