Scam targets BoI current accounts

A Garda probe is under way after hundreds of Bank of Ireland customers had their accounts raided in two branches over the weekend.

Customers of branches in Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny, and in Borris, Co Carlow, had their current accounts accessed from the US over a three-day period in a scamming operation which yielded thousands of euro for fraudsters.

Bank of Ireland branches in Roscommon and Mayo were also hit in the past few weeks. Customers in Borris were hit by the same scam over Valentine’s weekend.

Numerous customers had over €2,000 taken from their accounts while others had several hundred euro taken out in small amounts over several days.

It is understood the scam hit the Graiguenamanagh and Borris branches over three dates in January but the fraudulent withdrawals only recently appeared.

Sums of €146.13 were taken from accounts over several days and showed up on account statements as $200 being withdrawn from ATMs in the US.

It is understood a small camera was placed at the side of the ATM and an electronic device slipped over where the card was placed into the machine. The data was downloaded and sold on to fraudsters.

A spokesperson for the bank said those affected will be reimbursed and new cards will be issued.