Fraud
Fraud & Scam Awareness
Fraud is constantly evolving and criminals are becoming more convincing than ever.
Scams can happen at any time of year, often when you least expect them. A simple text, phone call or email can look genuine, feel urgent and catch anyone off guard. That’s why staying alert is so important.
At Palmerstown Credit Union, protecting our members is a priority. Below you’ll find clear, practical advice to help you recognise scams, avoid fraud and know exactly what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
I think I’ve been scammed what do I do?
If you suspect you have been scammed or have noticed fraudulent activity on your account, you should contact our team in Palmerstown Credit Union.
Phone Number: 01 626 5621
What do scams look like?
Texts about “frozen” or “on hold” accounts
Messages claiming your account is blocked and asking you to click a link to “review” or “unlock” it.Fake delivery and shopping emails
Emails pretending to be from delivery companies or online shops, asking you to pay a small fee or “update details”.Phone calls asking for security details
Callers pretending to be from a bank, credit union or other organisation asking for PINs, passwords or one-time codesFake websites and social media ads
Online shops offering big discounts, but the goods never arrive or aren’t what they claim to be.Messages pretending to be family or friends
WhatsApp or text messages saying a phone is “lost” or “broken” and asking for money urgently.
How do I stay safe?
Do:
- Take your time
- If a message or call feels rushed or urgent, pause. Pressure is often a red flag.
- Go directly to the source
- Type in the official website address or open the app yourself - don’t rely on links in texts or emails.
- Check the details
- Look for odd spellings, strange email addresses, unusual web links or poor grammar.
- Contact us if you’re unsure
- We’d much rather you check with us than take a risk.
Don't:
- Don’t click on unexpected links
- Even if the message lands in a thread with genuine texts, it can still be fake.
- Don’t share your security details
- Never give PINs, passwords, CVV numbers or one-time codes to anyone.
- Don’t feel obliged to continue a call
- Hang up if something feels off, then ring the organisation back on their official number.
- Don’t pay “fees” you weren’t expecting
- Delivery and customs scams often use very small amounts to catch people out.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will never include a link asking you to log in or provide full card details by text. If you’re unsure, ignore the link and contact us directly using our official contact details.
Yes. Fraudsters can use a trick called SMS spoofing so their texts appear in old message threads. Always check the content carefully and contact us if something doesn’t look right.
No. We will never ask for your full PIN, full password or one-time security codes.
Check reviews, look for “https” and a padlock symbol, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
If in doubt, don’t click and don’t share. Contact us and we’ll help you figure it out.
If you think you clicked on something or gave information. Don’t panic just get in touch with us as soon as you can. The sooner we know, the faster we can secure your account. We’re here to help you stay safe. Looking out for our members is at the heart of what we do. If you ever get a message, email or call and you’re not sure about it, please reach out. We’re always happy to take a look and put your mind at ease.
| Call Us: | 01 626 5621 |
| Visit Us: | 48 Manor Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 |
| Email Us: | info@palmerstowncu.ie |
We offer many services aimed at improving access to financial services and encouraging financial inclusion.
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