AIB and the Irish Payments Service Organisation (IPSO) have both issued a warning to internet users as the result of the appearance of a virus that manifests itself in the form of a pop-up box that appears when users are logging onto AIB’s internet banking or retail sites.
The rogue screen popped up on AIB customers’ computers asking for credit card expiry dates and the PIN number of ATM cards.
It is understood that at least three people have been fooled by the virus. AIB believes that the false banking page was generated by a virus contained in an email from the bank’s customers.
A warning on AIB’s home page warned: “It has come to our attention that a small number of customers have encountered a fraudulent screen which appears while using various Irish and International websites, including AIB’s internet banking service (24hour-online).
“This screen requests customers to key in the expiry date of their credit card and their ATM PIN. This is NOT an AIB screen – it is a fraudulent attempt to obtain your personal details. If you see this screen appearing, or any other unusual screen asking you for personal details, DO NOT ENTER ANY DETAILS.
“This attempted fraud may have been caused by a virus which installs rogue software on personal computers and then presents a fraudulent screen, asking you for personal details. Only customers who have this virus will be affected,” AIB warned.
The bank has urged people to check that they have the latest anti-virus software and, if not, to buy and install anti-virus software. AIB technical staff are working on resolving the problem.
It is understood that AIB is not the only bank concerned about this development; financial institutions worldwide, especially in Australia where banks have been hit 50 times by the virus, are investigating the situation.
In a separate development, IPSO has reported good progress in the rollout of chip and PIN credit cards across the country.
By John Kennedy
