ISLE of Man residents are being targeted by fraudsters, attempting to find out bank details with fake phone calls to bank account holders.

The Isle of Man Bankers’ Association (IOMBA) has consequently issued a warning to Manx residents not to give details of their bank accounts to anyone over the telephone.

IOMBA has found that a number of bank account holders have received phone calls from someone posing as a bank official.

They say that their bank has incorrectly calculated interest on their account and a refund is due. In order to “refund the money” the caller then asks for full bank account details, PIN number and passwords, enabling them to steal money from the bank account.

Another tactic used by the fraudsters this week in the Isle of Man has been for someone to phone to discuss details of their bank mortgage, again asking for detailed account information and passwords.

It’s clear that the fraudsters will attempt to use any method to persuade you to hand over bank details and information which could give them illegal access to an account. Anyone receiving a phone call which is in any way suspicious is advised to withhold all information.

A spokesman for IOMBA said, “Banks will never call clients and ask for full PIN and password details.

“Should anyone receive a call which fits with the above detail, do not disclose any banking security or personal details and contact your bank immediately.”