National: Investigations underway as Electric Ireland reveals customers may be at risk of financial fraud

One of Ireland's leading energy suppliers, Electric Ireland, has stated an employee of a company working on its behalf may have accessed customer accounts which have lead to the potential misuse of personal and financial information.

Investigations have revealed that approximately 8,000 customer accounts may have been inappropriately compromised.

Electric Ireland has said it has contacted the potentially affected customers to make them aware of the issue and they will endeavour to provide advice and instructions on actions to take to mitigate any risks of financial fraud.

In a statement the company said:

"Customers who have not received a letter from Electric Ireland do no need to take any action.

"This issue is currently under investigation and Electric Ireland is liaising with An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commissioner, and as such the details of this case must remain confidential.

"Customers affected by this issue, who may have experienced any fraudulent activity on their financial accounts in relation to data they gave Electric Ireland, have been asked to contact the company directly.

"Electric Ireland will inform An Garda Síochána who are managing this investigation. Customers are also advised to contact their bank."

Electric Ireland also stated that the company fully appreciates the gravity of the issue and the concern and inconvenience it will create for those affected.