Online scam targets card details

Consumers should ignore pop-up screens requesting that they key in their credit card expiry date and their ATM PINs, the Irish…

Consumers should ignore pop-up screens requesting that they key in their credit card expiry date and their ATM PINs, the Irish Payment Services Organisation (IPSO) warned yesterday.

Following a number of recent internet fraud attempts, IPSO advises cardholders to be especially vigilant when using the internet to check bank account details or make purchases online. AIB has reported that some customers using its internet banking service have faced problems.

Ms Úna Dillon, manager of IPSO card services, said a small number of cardholders had noticed pop-up screens asking them to key in their personal financial details while using a variety of websites, including bank and retailer sites.

"This is not a valid screen - it is a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal details," she said.

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IPSO believes the pop-up screens may have been created by a virus that installs rogue software on personal computers.

As part of basic security protocols, banks and retailers should never ask customers to divulge their ATM or card PINs. IPSO is asking consumers to immediately contact their bank or retailer of the website they are visiting when the screen pops up.

Laura Slattery

Laura Slattery

Laura Slattery is an Irish Times journalist writing about media, advertising and other business topics