Irish Revolut users are being targeted by a sophisticated new scam, with fraudsters impersonating the financial services company to steal personal and banking details. Gardaí (Irish police) have issued urgent warnings following a surge in reports of these fraudulent calls, particularly in the Donegal region, but the risk extends nationwide.
The scam, as detailed by Garda Grainne Doherty, operates by fraudsters contacting individuals claiming to have detected suspicious activity on their Revolut accounts. This often involves alleging an attempted unauthorized purchase, prompting the recipient to “verify” the transaction. The objective is to elicit sensitive information – account details, PINs, passwords and security codes – under the guise of resolving the issue or safeguarding funds.
A particularly deceptive tactic employed by the scammers involves reciting the first few digits of the victim’s Revolut card number, creating a false sense of legitimacy and encouraging them to provide the remaining digits. This tactic, combined with a deliberate attempt to instill urgency and panic, significantly increases the likelihood of victims complying with their requests.
Garda Doherty emphasized a critical point: “Revolut will never call you out of the blue.” Genuine support interactions are conducted exclusively through the in-app chat function, and any such communication is pre-confirmed. Legitimate financial institutions will never request sensitive information like PINs, passwords, or security codes over the phone, nor will they ask for funds to be transferred to a “safe” account.
The prevalence of this scam highlights a growing trend of financial fraud leveraging spoofed phone numbers. , Gardaí in Cork issued a warning about similar scams utilizing spoofed numbers to mimic legitimate organizations, including Revolut. This technique allows fraudsters to disguise their true identity, making it appear as though the call originates from a trusted source. The use of spoofed numbers is a key indicator of fraudulent activity, as legitimate businesses and banks rarely initiate contact in this manner.
The warnings extend beyond Revolut specifically. Gardaí have cautioned against other scams involving impersonation, including instances where fraudsters pose as Gardaí themselves, even using the official An Garda Síochána crest as their WhatsApp profile picture. This underscores the increasingly sophisticated nature of these scams and the lengths to which fraudsters will go to deceive their victims.
For individuals who have already fallen victim to this scam and shared their banking information or made a transfer, Gardaí have outlined a clear course of action:
- Cease all communication: Immediately stop any further interaction with the scammer.
- Secure your account: Take steps to protect your Revolut account.
- Freeze your card: Utilize the Revolut app to immediately freeze your card.
- Report the transaction: Report the fraudulent transaction through the Revolut app.
- Contact Revolut Support: Seek assistance from Revolut Support via the in-app chat.
- Report to Gardaí: File a formal report with your local Garda station.
This latest scam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and skepticism when receiving unsolicited calls, particularly those requesting personal or financial information. The fraudsters are becoming increasingly adept at mimicking legitimate organizations and exploiting vulnerabilities. The financial sector, and law enforcement agencies, are working to combat these threats, but individual awareness remains the first line of defense.
The targeting of Revolut users is notable given the platform’s growing popularity in Ireland, particularly among younger demographics. Revolut’s digital-first approach, while offering convenience, also presents opportunities for fraudsters to exploit users who may be less familiar with traditional banking security protocols. The company itself has not yet issued a public statement regarding the specific surge in scams reported by Gardaí, but consistently advises users to report any suspicious activity through their in-app channels.
The Garda warning comes amid a broader increase in reported financial fraud across Ireland. While specific statistics for are not yet available, law enforcement officials have indicated a significant rise in phishing attempts, online scams, and fraudulent investment schemes in recent months. This trend underscores the need for heightened public awareness and proactive security measures to protect against financial losses.
