Gardaí and AIB are warning of a text scam that is targeting bank customers following an increase in 'smishing' attacks this month.

The scam sees customers receiving a text message claiming to be from the bank saying they have been locked out of their account or need to block a fraudulent transaction.

Consumers will be asked to input codes into their card reader and to provide their One Time Passcode.

This information is sufficient for the fraudster to access the person’s account and transfer money out.

AIB are advising their customers they will never ask them not to log back into their accounts or to click on a link.

If anyone has received such a call or text message and have disclosed any information, they are asked to contact the bank immediately.

An image of an example of the type of fraudulent texts sent to AIB customers. Image: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí are also warning that such frauds cannot occur without the co-operation of so-called Money Mules who are people that allow their accounts to be used.

They advised people to not allow their account to be used to receive money and to not withdraw or transfer any money than is lodged as thins constitutes a money laundering offence.

There was a 132% increase in the amounts of ‘smishing’ reported to Gardaí for the first 20 days of January 2021 compared to the same period last year.

Main image: File photo. Credit: Jan Vašek from Pixabay