Shopping online

The ability to shop, bank, book travel and make payments online has transformed our daily lives. However, these transactions are sometimes targeted by fraudsters. Most reputable organisations make it as safe as possible for customers to conduct business with them online. Today’s cybercriminals are highly skilled at creating fake websites, and persuading consumers to divulge sensitive information and make payments


Three Key messages to remember when shopping online:

  1. Use a guaranteed payment method such as PayPal when shopping online.
  2. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  3. Always view large purchases in person prior to paying for them.

Consider these simple steps to shop online with confidence.

Is the website safe?

  • Always go directly to the site or access it via a search engine (e.g. Google, Bing) first. Never follow links on websites or in emails if you are suspicious.
  • Ensure the web address is what you expected (e.g. check for incorrect spelling).
  • When entering login details or personal information, be sure the web page you are viewing offers encryption of your data by checking:
    • The web address (URL) has changed from ‘http’ to ‘https’.
    • A closed padlock icon is present.
    • Your browser address window may be green.
    • Always ensure you are buying only from reputable retailers, whether from personal experience or trustworthy recommendations. If it is not a well-known shopping site, do some research and look for independent reviews rather than trusting testimonials on the site itself.

Lost or stolen card?

As soon as you believe your card has been lost or stolen, please contact us as soon as possible via our Freephone numbers listed below. We’ll cancel your card as soon as you tell us it’s missing and get a new card issued to your address (the one we have on file for you) in 5 to 7 working days.

Fraud, suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions?

To report online fraud, suspicious activity, unauthorised transactions on your account or ATM fraud, please contact us as soon as possible via our Freephone numbers listed below.

Shared your online login details?

If you have shared your banking details in response to a suspicious email, text or call, please notify us as soon as possible via the Freephone numbers listed below.

Report a suspicious email or text

To report suspicious Bank of Ireland UK related emails or texts (both personal and business customers), send the suspicious email or text to 365security@boi.com

Emergency Contact Numbers

You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on:

Calling from UK

Freephone: 0800 121 7790 (personal customers)

Freephone: 0800 032 1288 (Business On Line and Global Market Customers)

Calling from ROI

Freephone: 1800 946 764 (personal and business)

Calling from Overseas

Not Freephone: 00353 567 757 007

Please note: If we need to contact you about a potential fraud on your account, we will do this via a secure channel including, but not limited to, SMS or email.