LATEST: AIB banking app sends Irish people 'urgent alert' over major fraud fears

AIB's mobile banking app sent Irish users an "urgent alert" notification on Wednesday morning over potential scams.

The bank also emailed customers to be aware of fraudulent activity that may seek to target their accounts.

In the alert to customers, AIB said: "At some point, you've probably received a text that looked like it was from us but you weren't so sure. Something about the language seemed off or you didn't recognise the phone number. This instinct is good because text message fraud, also known as 'smishing', is one of the most common attempts at fraud our customers face daily."

The alert went on to say: "These texts usually look like they are from AIB or other notable places such as Revenue or An Post. Criminals use these names to trick you into sharing personal details such as PINs. Often, they cast wide nets to trick people.

"So sometimes you might get a text about paying an overdue eFlow balance despite not owning a car while other times you might get a message about paying customs on a package while you are waiting on the post to be delivered. Here are some things to consider when you get a suspicious text:

Don't click that link

"Fraudsters may include a link for you to click in their message. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your login details, personal information, or security codes. These sites are designed to look like legitimate webpages and sometimes can be very sophisticated and convincing. Never click a link in a text message until you are sure it is real.

READ NEXT: 'It doesn't feel real' - Ireland AM presenter in tears with mother of girl killed by scrambler

Don't call that number

"Often a criminal might try to trick you to call a number to 'remove a hold', 'verify a payment' or 'secure your account'.
Calling this number will connect you to someone pretending to work for the bank. They will try to trick you into sharing personal details or giving access to your account. They may even try to convince you to move your money to another account for 'safe keeping'. If you need to talk to us, you can find the official AIB phone number on the back of your bank card or on our website.

Don't share your details

"If you get a message or a call from us asking you to confirm or verify security codes, one-time passwords or card details, you can safely assume it's a scam. We will never call or message you to ask for these details. If you receive any request to provide codes or personal information, hang up or don't reply.

Don't hand over your card

"If someone contacts you to say that your card is 'compromised' or 'needs to be decoded' and that it needs to be collected, it is a scam. We will never collect your card from your home or ask you to hand it over to someone. If someone calls you with a request like this, hang up immediately."

Protect yourself

• Always use official AIB channels to contact us.
• Review your accounts regularly - if you cannot log in, contact us as soon as possible.
• If something feels off, wait a sec and double check.
• Visit our Security Centre for the latest advice and updates.
If you think you've been targeted

READ NEXT: Man in his 50s dead following horror collision involving motorcycle and lorry

The bank concluded: "If you receive a suspicious text and believe you may have responded to it: Call us immediately using the number on the back of your card or visit the official AIB website for contact details. Our fraud support line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you."