Unsolicited call

I usually don't answer unknown numbers but this was at least a Dublin landline number. Still, I am taking a caller's word that they are "AIB". I did have a transfer that had not been processed, so at least it seemed possible. Ironically, I failed their security checks! I couldn't match my address to what they had on their system. At that stage I was getting fed up and said I'd call back.

It seems that AIB and PTSB will directly call you whereas Revolut, N26 or Raisin will conduct all interaction via the app.

When I did phone them back (and satisfy the security checks), they then gave me a series of warnings about scams - I pointed out that a cold call from them wasn't especially reassuring earlier. There does not seem to be a common standard as to how legitimate contacts are initiated.

But what if they sound genuine?

Well, the reality is that they could be genuine, but it always pays to be cautious. Ask them for their name and say that you will ring them back once you’ve checked the number of the organisation on a website or phone book.

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Yes, it is a tricky one. I hate when AIB phone me as I will not answer security questions from an unsolicited call. I point out it was they phoned me and not the other way around. They of course say they cannot tell me why they are phoning unless I answer the security questions to confirm my identity. I point out again that they were the ones phoning me and they must know who they are phoning. I usually just hang up but depending on whether it was a marketing call or if they seemed worried about a transaction I will look up their number on their website and call that number. So far they have all been marketing calls.

Clamball said:

So far they have all been marketing calls.

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Infuriating time wasters who may cause certain people anxiety.

Is there any way to opt in/out of sales telephone calls they way you can tick boxes on websites for email, phone, or hard-copy contact, for example?

I'll answer my own question for a change.

AIB T&Cs

Extracted from above:

"7. Consent

Sometimes we need your consent to use your personal information. With direct marketing for example, we need your consent to make you aware of products and services which may be of interest to you. We may do this by phone, post, email, text or through other digital media.

You can decide how much direct marketing you want to accept when you apply for new products and services.

If we ever contact you to get your feedback on ways to improve our products and services, you have the choice to opt out. "

The qualification in the sentence in red above is a trifle concerning. If I never apply for a new product or service, am I stuck with the default?

[EDIT]: See also Paragraph 9. in the same document.

OP you should have given no details at all. Scammers will use the information to build up better profile of you for a latter scam attempt.

I have gotten such calls, from man with a strong Indian Accent, claiming to AIB fraud or some such. It took the guts of an hour on AIBs main number to get on to someone in the required security section. Turned out it was a actual call.!

It's a tough one. I don't want my bank to cold-call me to try and cross-sell "products and services which may be of interest to you". But I do want them to call me when, e.g., a transaction on my credit card triggers a concern that my account may have been compromised, and I get that when they call me in circumstances like those I don't necessarily want them to discussion my banking affairs with whoever happens to answer the phone. I keep my credit card in my phone case so, if my credit card has ended up in the wrong hands there's a sporting chance that my phone has too.