Bank of Ireland Warns of Increased Overcharging Scams at Card Terminals
Bank of Ireland warns of increased overcharging scams where customers are charged more than the verbally agreed price at card terminals. Consumers are urged to check amounts carefully, activate alerts, and review statements to prevent financial losses, as one in three Irish adults have experienced fraud.
Bank of Ireland has issued a warning to consumers regarding an increase in overcharging scams. These scams occur when customers are verbally quoted a lower price but then overcharged at card terminals.
The bank advises customers to always pause and verify the amount displayed on card machines before tapping or inserting their cards. They also recommend caution if pressured to pay, never handing over cards to others for transactions, activating transaction alerts, and regularly reviewing bank statements.
Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, noted that fraudsters exploit the speed of card payments and customer distraction. She emphasized that taking a moment to check the terminal amount can prevent fraud, and any discrepancies should prompt an immediate query.
This warning follows Central Bank figures from last month, which revealed that one in three Irish adults have experienced fraud or scams, with nearly two-thirds incurring financial losses. A survey of 3,000 adults showed 38% of victims did not report fraud, but 57% of those who did report it recovered their money.