Fraud Awareness

Helping Members Spot & Avoid Financial Scams

Current Scams Impacting Credit Union Members in Ireland

⚡ Electricity Grant SMS Scam

What’s Happening

A fraudulent SMS circulating in Ireland claims that Credit Union members may qualify for a

“€1,500 electricity grant” if they have savings with their Credit Union.

The message directs users to the website:

union-credits.com

This site is not affiliated with any legitimate Irish Credit Union and is part of a phishing campaign designed to harvest personal and financial information.

How the Scam Works

  • Members receive an SMS about an electricity grant

  • They are directed to a fake website

  • The site requests banking or personal information

  • Fraudsters use this to commit financial fraud

Red Flags

  • Unsolicited text about grants

  • Links to non-official domains

  • Requests for passwords, PINs, or security codes

Reminder

Credit Unions in Ireland are not offering electricity grants via SMS. Official government energy credits are applied automatically and do not require text applications.

Phishing Scams

Fraudulent emails designed to trick you into clicking links or entering personal information.

Protect Yourself:

  • Never enter banking details from an email link

  • We will never ask for full passwords or PINs via email

Smishing (Text Message) Scams

Scammers send texts claiming suspicious activity, payment issues, or fake rewards.

Red Flags:

  • Unexpected texts with links

  • Messages demanding immediate action

Vishing (Phone Call) Fraud

Fraudsters call pretending to be credit union staff or government agencies.

We will never ask:

  • For your full online banking password

  • For your full PIN

  • To transfer money to a “safe account”

Account Takeover Fraud

Scammers use stolen credentials to access online banking.

Protect Yourself:

  • Use strong, unique passwords

  • Turn on two-factor authentication

  • Never share one-time codes

“New Payee Added to Your Account” Text Message Scam

We are aware of fraudulent text messages circulating in Ireland claiming:

“A new payee has been added to your account. please contact us on (01) 5785614 if you did not create this payee.”

This message is not from your Credit Union and is part of a phishing (smishing) campaign designed to steal your banking details.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Never share online banking passwords or PINs

  • Ignore links in unexpected texts or emails

  • Question urgent requests for money

  • Verify details independently (e.g., phone the official number)

  • Enable two-factor authentication where available

  • Regularly review account activity

  • Contact us on 074 9361017 if in doubt about any communication

What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

  1. Contact your Credit Union immediately using official contact details

  2. Change your online banking password

  3. Report lost or stolen cards

  4. Forward suspicious emails for investigation

  5. Report scams to Irish authorities, including:

  • An Garda Síochána

  • Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

  • National Cyber Security Centre