Bank of Ireland Warns Customers Over Rising ‘Card Tapping’ Fraud Cases

Dublin: Bank of Ireland has issued a warning to customers about a growing form of payment fraud in which people are charged significantly higher amounts than expected when making card payments in person.

The warning comes as part of the bank’s new “Think Before Tap” awareness campaign, aimed at helping customers identify and avoid fraudulent card transactions.

Fraud Involves Entering Higher Amounts on Card Machines

According to the bank, the scam typically involves a trader or fraudster verbally quoting one payment amount to a customer while entering a much larger figure into the card terminal.

Customers are then pressured into tapping their card or entering their PIN quickly without carefully checking the displayed amount.

Nicola Sadlier said reports of such incidents are increasing, particularly in busy or stressful environments where customers may be distracted.

She added that the bank’s fraud support services operate 24 hours a day and encouraged customers to contact the bank immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.

Bank’s Advice to Avoid Payment Fraud

Bank of Ireland has issued the following safety advice for customers:

• Always check the amount displayed on the card terminal before tapping or entering your PIN
• Be cautious if you are being pressured to complete a payment quickly
• Avoid handing your card to another person to process the transaction
• Enable transaction alerts to receive real-time notifications of unexpected charges
• Review bank statements regularly and report suspicious transactions immediately

The bank said increased awareness and vigilance remain the best defence against payment fraud.

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