The financial services regulator has warned consumers not to disclose their personal identity number (PIN) used to access bank accounts or credit cards in response to unsolicited email requests.

The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) issued the warning after a number of emails were sent to Irish consumers. The email asked individuals to verify their PIN number, bank account or credit card numbers and their email address.

"Consumers should be extremely wary of any request to provide bank account or other confidential personal banking information by email or telephone.

"They should check directly with their bank branch or credit card company before taking any action on an unsolicited contact," IFSRA has advised.

Its consumer director, Ms Mary O'Dea, said a number of bogus emails had been circulating in recent weeks. "These bogus emails and Web addresses can appear to be legitimate. However, your bank or credit card issuer would never ask you to disclose secure personal information such as a PIN number in an email," she said.

IFSRA has stressed that any registered internet banking user is asked for their user identity and a password code when they log on to the service. Consumers should be aware that that password code is not their PIN.

"The only way to protect yourself against fraud and credit card cloning is to safeguard your personal financial details at all times," Ms O'Dea said.

Ms O'Dea said the financial services regulator had passed details of some cases to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

Consumers can contact the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority for further information on the Consumer Helpline 1890 777 777 or by email at consumerinfo@ifsra.ie, or visit its website at www.ifsra.ie.