A courier card scam is where fraudsters pretend to be your bank and arrange for your bank card to be collected from your home under the guise of “security reasons”.
FraudSMART is warning consumers about a highly convincing scam where fraudsters pretend to be your bank and persuade you to hand over your bank card for ‘security reasons’.
These scams are carefully planned and designed to create urgency and fear. Many victims genuinely believe they are dealing with their own bank and do not realise what has happened until it is too late.
How the scam starts
The scam usually begins with a text message claiming there has been suspicious activity on your bank account. The message can look genuine and may even appear to come from your bank.
You may be asked to reply to the message or to click a link. If you do, the fraudsters then have a way to continue the scam.
The follow-up call
Shortly afterwards, you may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank’s security or fraud team. The caller sounds professional and reassuring but creates a strong sense of urgency.
They may tell you that your card is at immediate risk and mention convincing (but false) transaction details, beneficiary names or payment references to make the story appear genuine The aim is to stop you from taking the time to check independently.
Card collection at the door
You might be told that, for security reasons, your bank card must be collected immediately. The caller may say that a courier or taxi has been arranged by your bank.
During the call, the fraudster may ask you to disclose your full PIN or to enter it in on the phone. Some people are told to delete their banking app as part of what is described as a “security process”.
The fraudster may also ask for one-time passcodes sent by text message, or other authentication credentials. They claim these are needed to secure your account, but in reality, these details can be used to set up new payees and authorise payments.
No bank will ever send someone to your home to collect your card. Once the card is handed over, it is immediately used to withdraw cash or make purchases.
Why this scam works
These scams are designed to be extremely convincing. Victims often report that they genuinely believed they were speaking to their own bank. The messages look authentic, the caller sounds professional and appears knowledgeable, and the pressure to act quickly can make it hard to stop and think. Fraudsters use tried and tested tricks that can catch anyone off guard especially when they make it seem like your money is at risk.
Top tips to protect yourself
- Your bank will never ask for your full PIN, either verbally or by asking you to key it into your phone.
- Your bank will never ask you to delete your banking app.
- Your bank will never send a courier or taxi to collect your bank card.
- If you receive an unexpected call or text about suspicious activity, do not respond. Contact your bank using the number on the back of your credit or debit card or listed on the official bank website.
- If you believe you may have been targeted, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to your local Garda station.
Consumers can access a wealth of other advice on how to avoid scams by visiting www.FraudSMART.ie and signing up for email alerts on current risks and scams as they emerge at www.fraudsmart.ie/sign-up.
