Member Notice: Fraud Warning

Important Security Notice: Ongoing Text & Website Scams Targeting Credit Union Members

Donore Credit Union is advising all members to be extra cautious as several new fraud attempts are circulating across Ireland. These scams are designed to look and feel genuine, often imitating trusted financial institutions including credit unions - with the aim of stealing your personal or banking information.

Please read the information below and share it with family members, neighbours or anyone who may be at risk.
Here are some of the latest trends in scam texts and messages.

1. Fake “Credit Union” Texts & Clone Websites

Members nationwide have reported receiving texts claiming to be from a credit union or credit union portal. These messages contain links that lead to fraudulent websites designed to collect sensitive information.

Common signs of this scam:

• The website link appears secure (e.g., “https”), but it is fake and deliberately routed through services like Cloudflare to look legitimate.

• Fraudsters use the Hands, Family & Globe logo and other credit union branding without permission.

• No matter what you press on the page, it eventually asks for your personal details or login information.

• Messages often use urgent language to pressure you to act quickly.

What to do:

➡️ Do NOT click any links in unexpected texts.
➡️ Delete the message immediately.

2. “New Payee Added” Scam Texts

Another scam message claims a new payee has been added to your account and invites you to call a number if this was not authorised.

These messages are completely fraudulent.

What to do:

❌ Do not call the number provided.
❌ Do not respond or share any information.

3. Fake “Standing Order” Alerts

Scammers are also sending texts such as:

“CREDIT UNION: Standing order of €4,850 to ___ set up successfully. Reply Y or N.”

These are designed to frighten you into replying so that scammers can either gather personal data or confirm your phone number is active.

What to do:

❌ Do not reply.
🗑️ Delete the text immediately.

Protect Yourself – Always Remember:

✔️ Donore Credit Union will NEVER send links by text asking you to verify information or log in.
✔️ We will never ask for PINs, passcodes, one-time codes, or login details by SMS or phone.
✔️ If you are unsure whether something is real, contact us directly using our official phone number or email — not the details provided in a suspicious message.

For more advice on staying safe from fraud, please visit the following resources:

FraudSmart: https://www.fraudsmart.ie/

Citizens Information: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/buying-digital-content-and-services/scams-and-fraud/