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Keep up to date with the latest fraud trends, scams and key advice on how best to protect yourself against them. You can also sign up to our fraud alerts.

Students warned of risks as over €44 million illegally transferred through money mule accounts

FraudSMART members identified almost 9,000 cases of money muling in the last three years New survey shows almost half of 18–24-year-olds have been approached, or know someone who has been approached, to use their bank accounts to transfer money As college term starts, students and parents warned to be vigilant to approaches online particularly through

Fraud Alert: Beware of Scam Texts Posing as Gov.ie

FraudSMART have been made aware of an increase in scam text messages claiming to be from Gov.ie. Please read the information below in order to know what to look out for and how to protect your personal information and bank account details.   How does the scam work? You may receive a text message stating

FraudSMART advice in response to Fota Wildlife Park Cyberattack

Thursday 29th August 2024 – We have been made aware that Fota Wildlife Park have confirmed they have been affected by a cyberattack that may have granted hackers access to card information, email addresses, usernames and passwords and are recommending if customers  have carried out a transaction on their website between the dates of 12

Warning! Don’t fall for Student Accommodation Scams!

FraudSMART is urging third level students to be on the look out for accommodation scams. Gardaí have warned that around 33% of accommodation scams happen between August and September. Fraudsters are continually coming up with new ways to convince students to hand over deposits for properties that don’t exist or have already been rented to multiple

Feeling distracted? On your phone at the ATM? Watch out for scammers!

FraudSMART is urging the public to stay alert when using ATMs or making in-person payments using debit and credit cards. Known as ‘distraction fraud’, scammers take advantage when you are distracted, for example on the phone, or else purposely distract you when making a transaction in order to get your PIN details and steal your

Warning! Fraudsters taking advantage of Amazon Prime Day

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be on high alert for Amazon Prime Day scams where fraudsters claim to be from the Amazon ‘Support Team’.   How does the scam work? You might get a text message or email claiming that your Prime account has expired and request your personal information and/or bank account details to

SMEs lost almost €10m through email-related scams in 2023 as FraudSMART calls on businesses to remain vigilant

Almost 25% increase in losses through email-related SME fraud compared to 2022 Losses averaged at €12,000 FraudSMART in partnership with ISME urges businesses to review payment policies and put fraud awareness training in place for employees   Friday 12th July – New figures from FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation

Looking for tickets for Taylor Swift? Coldplay? Be alert for scams

This summer, as we get closer to some of the most highly anticipated concerts/festivals, FraudSMART are warning consumers to watch out for ticket scams. Criminals take advantage of sold out and high demand events such as Taylor Swift and Coldplay when you’re desperate to get tickets to see your favourite artist. Understanding how these scams

Fraudsters stole almost €100m in 2023 as holiday makers warned to be extra vigilant

Latest figures show fraudsters stole almost €100m through frauds and scams in 2023 as holiday makers warned to be extra vigilant for card fraud over the summer season – FraudSMART Payment Fraud Report Card fraud accounted for 95% of the volume of fraudulent payment transactions Unauthorised electronic transfers (primarily transfers through mobile and online banking)

Victims of fraud being re-targeted by criminals as investment scams continue to rise

Fresh warning issued as fraudsters particularly target people over 50 Worrying trend emerging where fraudsters are re-targeting people who have already fallen victim to an investment scam, promising to recover their money   Tuesday 7th May – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is issuing a fresh warning

New text message and phone scams in circulation claiming to be from your bank

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be on alert for text message and phone scams currently in circulation claiming to be from your bank. These are very convincing and sophisticated scams so please read the information below in order to protect your personal information and access to your bank account. How does the scam happen? You

Has someone asked you to ‘mind’ their money in your personal bank account?

This could be money muling, a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence – #DontBeAMule  It’s Global Money Week and FraudSMART is alerting the public, especially young people, about the risks of Money Muling. A money mule is someone recruited by criminals to receive money into their bank account in order to transfer stolen or fraudulent

FraudSMART your heart against romance scams this Valentine’s

Are you online dating? Are you in love with someone you text every day but never met? Is your love interest asking you to send them money? Ahead of Valentines Day FraudSMART are urging people to take care when it comes to meeting people online. Online dating is hugely popular and can be a fun

Jump in scams in first half of 2023 as consumers warned to be on high alert for investment fraud

New figures show an almost 26% jump in fraudulent scams in first half of 2023 as consumers warned to be on high alert for investment fraud – FraudSMART FraudSMART issues warning following recent spike in sophisticated investment fraud using the names and branding of well-recognised banks and investment firms Thursday 1st February 2024 – Latest

Warning! Mobile phone operator text message scam

New year, new scam – fraudsters are already busy in 2024 finding new ways to scam consumers so make ‘being FraudSMART’ your top resolution for 2024. FraudSMART is warning consumers to beware of a text message scam that is doing the rounds at the moment appearing to come from the recipient’s mobile phone operator and

ALERT! Fighting Festive Fraud on Black Friday

12 tips for Fighting Fraud this Festive Season: Be Informed, Be Alert, Be Secure – Be FraudSMART As we approach the festive season, FraudSMART is here to ensure your safety. Both consumers and businesses need to be vigilant against frauds and scams during this busy time. Everyone is a target especially with the increasing complexity

Students warned of risks as €17.5m illegally transferred through money mule accounts

Students warned of risks as €17.5m illegally transferred through money mule accounts in H1 2023 – a rise of almost 50% according to new FraudSMART figures FraudSMART members reported over 2,600 mule accounts identified in the first half of 2023 alone. Majority of money mule bank accounts belonged to those aged between 18 and 24

Warning! Student Accommodation Scams

Going to, or returning to, college is an exciting time for students, however, it is also an opportunistic time for fraudsters who try to trick students out of their money. Many cases have been reported to FraudSMART where deposits have been handed over for properties that don’t exist, have been rented to multiple tenants already or

Fraud losses reached almost €85m in 2022 as consumers warned to be on high alert for text message scam

Fraud losses reached almost €85m in 2022 as consumers warned to be on high alert for text message scam – latest FraudSMART report Card fraud accounted for over 95% of fraudulent payment transactions by volume in 2022 19% decrease in authorised push payments (APP fraud) transactions in 2022 compared to 2021 Recent survey by FraudSMART

Businesses conned out of €8m due to invoice and CEO impersonation fraud in 2022 – new FraudSMART figures

Businesses conned out of €8m due to invoice and CEO impersonation fraud in 2022 – new FraudSMART figures FraudSMART warns SMEs of increased risk of financial scams with work from home practices now well established post-Covid Survey with SFA members shows almost 50% of businesses report being targeted by fraudsters in the last 12 months

FraudSMART warns of marked rise in serious investment scams

Over 55s key target for increasingly elaborate scams seeking investments of upward of €20,000 Friday 10th March 2023 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is warning consumers of a rise in serious investment scams that are highly convincing, appear to be legitimate, but are in the fact

Fraudsters stole nearly €45m through frauds and scams in second half of 2021, up 50% on previous year – latest FraudSMART report

Credit and debit card fraud (including ATM) hit €14.5m – highest level since H1 2017 Unauthorised electronic payment fraud (excluding cards) rose to €21.5m, driven by sharp increase in online and mobile banking Consumers scammed out of €7.6m through authorised push payments down 4.4% year on year FraudSMART issues stark warning to consumers to be

Over €12m illegally transferred via money mule accounts in H1 2022 as number of money mule cases almost doubles to 3,000 over same period – new FraudSMART figures

Average sum transacted through money mules accounts stood at €4k in H1 2022 Majority of money mule bank accounts belonged to those aged between 18 and 24 years of age with some as young as 15 As the cost of living crisis continues FraudSMART and An Garda Siochana warn that financially vulnerable groups are most

Text message scams cost victims average of €1,700 in H1 2022 with businesses suffering average losses of €14,000 due to invoice fraud

New FraudSMART campaign warns consumers and business to be on high alert to impersonation scams as fraudsters seek to take advantage of the transition of hundreds of thousands of bank accounts in the coming months Wednesday 10th August 2022 – New figures from FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland

Fraud warning as Ulster Bank and KBC Bank prepare to exit the Irish market

In the coming months as both Ulster Bank and KBC Bank ask customers to move their accounts to another bank, we expect criminals will try to take advantage by contacting people through scam emails, scam SMS messages, scam social media messages, or scam calls. The fraudsters will try to gather personal information, bank account details,

FraudSMART issues warning on Text Smishing Scams

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be aware of an on-going smishing campaign in which fraudsters try to trick victims into revealing personal and banking details and transferring money from their accounts. How does the scam work? Fraudsters are sending scam text messages that are designed to appear as legitimate bank messages. The texts attempt to

Payment card fraud hits €24 million in 2020 with majority of debit and credit card fraud taking place online

Latest figures show over a quarter of a million fraudulent debit and credit card transactions. Consumers warned to be extra vigilant with Black Friday shopping and pre-Christmas rush well underway. Tuesday 23rd November 2021 – Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) today published the latest debit and credit card fraud losses which amounted to €24.1

FraudSMART issues warning on Text Message Scams

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be aware of an on-going cybercrime campaign in which fraudsters try to trick victims into installing malware on their phone. What to Know Android malware is being distributed using a text message based scam. Criminals send a SMSs from legitimate numbers and attempt to trick recipients (victims) into following a

SMS Malware Fraud Alert

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be on the alert to a text message scam in which fraudsters are attempting to install malware onto your phone.  The text is disguised to look like a missed call text alert, but displays a link which if clicked will download Malware onto your phone to steal card and bank

Fraudulent scams jump almost 80% in 2020 with victims tricked out of a total of almost €16 million, up 51% on 2019

Victims tricked out of an average of €5,300 via a wide range of scam types Impersonation scams on the rise as fraudsters exploit Covid-19 upheaval New FraudSMART research shows 68% of consumers reported being targeted by some form of impersonation scam in the twelve months to July 2021 Wednesday 5th October 2021 – A new

Over 700 ‘money mule’ transactions totalling €5 million moved through banks accounts in first half of 2021 with majority of incidents involving 18-24 year olds

FraudSMART renews appeal to young people and parents to be wary of dangers and consequences of money muling 6th August 2021 – New figures released today by FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), show that over 700 incidents of money mule transactions totalling in excess of €5 million

10 Top Tips to keep yourself FraudSMART

It is becoming more and more important to be Fraud aware and know the top tips to keep yourself and those you care about FraudSMART. FraudSMART has produced a short guide to protect your business from invoice fraud. Click here to download this guide

Cryptocurrency scams on the rise with victims conned out of up to €50,000

FraudSMART warns of ‘get rich quick’ investment scams as fraudsters take advantage of hype around digital currencies. 20th May 2021 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is today warning consumers of the rise in cryptocurrency investment scams with victims being conned out of sums of money up

FraudSMART has launched our new TV advert alerting customers to fake text messages pretending to be your bank.

Never click on links in text messages. FraudSMART Advice: Banks will only ever ask you to reply to text messages with ‘Y’ or ‘N’. Never to click on links or give personal or financial information. Do not clink on a link or attachment from unsolicited emails or text messages. If you think you have responded

Payment card fraud amounts to over €12 million in H1 2020

Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) today published the latest debit and credit card fraud losses for the first half of 2020 which amounted to €12.2 million and more than 143,000 fraudulent debit and credit card transactions.

Protect your business from Invoice Fraud

What is invoice fraud and how does it work? Your business receives an email claiming to be from a supplier/creditor advising of new bank account details to be used for future payments. The email will look very convincing and may even come from what appears to be the suppliers email address. The initial email may

Romance fraud victims scammed out of €18,000 on average in 2020

FraudSMART warns public of increase in romance scams due to COVID-19 12th February 2021 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), has today revealed that victims of romance fraud were conned out of an average sum of €18,000 by fraudsters in 2020. The figure comes as FraudSMART has issued

Bank SMS Scam Fraud Alert

FraudSMART is advising consumers to be on the alert to a text message scam in which fraudsters claiming to be your bank are asking you to review a transaction.  The link will bring you to a fake website looking for personal and financial details. FraudSMART Advice: Banks will only ever ask you to reply to

Payment card fraud falls significantly but still reaches €22 million in 2019 with over a quarter of a million fraudulent card transactions

With 90% of card fraud taking place online, via phone or mail consumers warned to be extra vigilant during pre-Christmas rush New FraudSMART research shows younger people’s online shopping behaviour leaves them open to most risk 24th November 2020 – Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) today published the latest debit and credit card fraud

Top Ten Online Shopping Tips

Online shopping is easy and convenient, can offer choice and help you find the very best deals. In advance of Black Friday and with an eye on the rapidly increasing volume of shopping being done online in 2020, FraudSMART has produced a short guide to the top ten online shopping tips you can take to

Fraud Alert: Beware of unsolicited text messages claiming to be from your bank

As a result of recent increases in the level of smishing activity targeted towards Irish consumers, FraudSMART is issuing this important reminder to be wary of unsolicited text messages claiming to be from your bank. Bank customers are being targeted by scammers through an ongoing smishing attack which contacts customers via a fraudulent text message

Up to 1,000 ‘money mule’ transactions totalling €12 million moved through accounts in 2020

Banks launch major awareness campaign to highlights dangers of money muling to young people and their parents as new research shows 36% of 18-24 year olds claim they are likely to act as money mules Monday, 21st September 2020 – New figures released today by FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation

Don’t Be a Mule – Advice and warning signs about the dangers of Money Mules

What is a Money Mule? A money mule is a person recruited by criminals to help in transferring stolen or fraudulently obtained money from bank accounts. Money muling equals money laundering. Criminals pose as employers and dupe targets into laundering money on their behalf. They contact prospective victims with a “job vacancy” advert online, on

Fraud Alert: Department of Social Protection and An Post warning in relation to sophisticated phishing scams

In light of SMS smishing scams currently targeting members of the public by means of contact via unsolicited text messages to their mobile phones from an unknown mobile number, allegedly linked to the Department of Social Protection and An Post, both the Department of Social Protection and An Post have today issued warnings to their

FraudSMART urges customers to protect their banking details in light of increase in sophisticated SMS ‘smishing’ attacks

Tuesday 11 August 2020 – As a result of recent increases in the level of smishing activity targeted towards Irish consumers, FraudSMART is issuing this important reminder to be wary of unsolicited text messages claiming to be from your bank. Bank customers are being targeted by scammers through an ongoing smishing attack which contacts customers

FraudSMART warns consumers of increased risk of staycation scams, such as copycat websites, as criminals exploit latest advice to holiday at home

Monday 27 July 2020 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is today warning consumers of an increased risk of staycation scams as fraudsters exploit current travel restrictions and the demand for domestic holidays following the latest Government advise to holiday at home. With the latest research from Fáilte

FraudSMART issues warning on investment scams offering ‘get rich quick’ opportunities from false companies

Latest alert highlights there is no redress for consumers once money is handed over to unregulated or unauthorised firms FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is today urging consumers to be on the alert to investment scams being carried out by false companies offering fake investment opportunities. The

Protecting your business from frauds and scams during Covid-19

Businesses are now at increased risk of Covid-19 related scams as fraudsters look to take advantage of the current crisis. Fraudsters make seek to take advantage of: Finance staff and personnel who are working from home Increased and urgent demand for Covid-19 related goods and supplies Increased level of business and payments being done online

SMEs must watch for increased risk of Covid-19 supplier and invoice scams this Easter in light of Europol warning

FraudSMART outlines advice for businesses on how to identify and avoid Covid-19 related invoice frauds and scams Friday 10th April 2020 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is alerting Irish SMEs to the increased risk of Covid-19 invoice related scams following serious warnings from Eurpol about fraudulent

FraudSMART Alert: An Post Delivery Text Message Scam

FraudSMART is warning consumers to beware of a smishing scam involving customers being contacted via a text message which references an undelivered package and asks for payment on behalf of An Post. With COVID-19 leading to an increase in online shopping and home delivery usage, scammers are attempting to take advantage of possible consumer confusion. Key details: Customers are

Stay Alert: Examples of Covid-19 related scams

Examples of Covid-19 related scams detected in other jurisdictions which typically we would expect to see reaching Ireland in due course: UK National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) Updated figures from the UK’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) show there have been 105 reports of Covid-19 related since 1 February 2020, with total losses reaching nearly

FraudSMART warns consumers to be on high alert to Covid-19 scams as latest figures show card fraud reached €12m

Tuesday 31st March 2020 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), has today said new figures from across the banking sector reveal that overall card fraud reached €12m in the first half of 2019. Speaking on publication of the figures: Brian Hayes, BPFI CEO said the analysis indicates

FraudSMART Alert: Increase in Coronavirus Phishing Scams

FraudSMART is warning consumers to beware of an increase in phishing scams, in particular those taking advantage of and making reference to the Covid-19 outbreak. Key details: Fraudsters are exploiting the spread of Covid-19 for various types of fraud and cybercrime, particularly phishing related scams referencing Coronavirus and health agencies. FraudSMART Advice Never respond to

FraudSMART Alert – Undelivered Package Scam

Don’t be fooled by a Package Delivery or Tracking Scam FraudSMART is warning consumers to beware of a smishing scam involving customers being contacted via text with regards to an undelivered package and seeking payment. Key details: Customers are contacted by a text message which mentions outstanding shipping costs and has a link to “Track

FraudSMART Alert on Social Media Scam

FraudSMART is warning consumers to beware of a scam which is currently appearing on social media platforms in an unusually high volume (Facebook). Key details: The scam involves a reward being advertised as compensation for completing an Open24 online experience with Permanent TSB. The customer is asked to provide their online details including security passcodes

FraudSMART Alert on Foreign Lottery Scam

Friday 7 February 2020 – FraudSMART is today warning consumers to beware of a foreign lottery scam which has successfully conned several victims out of substantial sums of money. Key Scam Detail The ‘El Gordo’ lottery scam sees victims receive an email telling them they have won an international lottery but is actually trying to

FraudSMART warns consumers to be alert to new Amazon Prime phone scam

30th January 2020 – FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is today warning consumers to be alert to a new phone scam in which fraudsters are making calls pretending to be from Amazon or Amazon Prime. Outlining details of the scam, Olivia Buckley who leads the BPFI FraudSMART

FraudSMART warns consumers to be on the alert for a major fraud scam posing as cheap travel flights

FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), has issued a serious warning to consumers to be on the alert for the latest fraud scam which appears as an online advert for cheap flights but is in fact a link to fraudulent websites that trick consumers into unknowingly purchasing other goods,

Businesses warned of payroll and invoicing fraud scams during busy Christmas and year end period

FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is warning Irish businesses to beware of increasing levels of payroll and invoicing scams which fraudsters will take advantage of in the busy lead into Christmas and year end.      Head of Fraud Prevention at the BPFI, Olivia Buckley said: “December is a

Over €4 billion of online purchases using cards expected between November and December

  Over €4 billion of online purchases using cards expected between November and December Consumers warned to make purchases using only secure websites FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and supported by An Garda Síochána, have issued a strong warning to thousands of consumers to be extra cautious

Consumers urged to be extremely cautious around text and online loan scams which are on the rise before Christmas

Monday 18 November 2019: An Garda Síochána and FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), are warning consumers to be extremely cautious and alert to several scams targeting people in the run up to Christmas. Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) this

SME Fraud Briefing in association with Small Firms Association

SME breakfast briefing on Fraud Awareness on Tuesday 1 October at 9.00am Most businesses think they are protected against fraud however fraud against Irish businesses is on the rise. Fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated and use what is known as social engineering to manipulate their targets. Essentially this is using publicly available information to trick you

Former Government Minister Mary O’Rourke launches Fraud Awareness Week: 23-29 September 2019

Monday, 23rd September 2019. A new FraudSMART survey from Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) today reveals the average sum of money stolen in Ireland by fraudsters is €1,005, but the figure rises to €1,320 among older people aged 55+ and is almost six times the amount stolen from young adults aged 18-24, which totalled

FraudSMART Clinics

Join FraudSMART, An Garda Siochana, Active Retirement Ireland and An post for a discussion on the latest fraud scams, advice on how you protect yourself from being a victim.   To confirm your place rsvp@fraudsmart.ie

An Garda Síochána and FraudSMART issue alert on Text Message Scam

Wednesday 21st August 2019 – An Garda Síochána at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) have today issued an alert the public to an ongoing Text Message Scam focused on gaining access to personal bank accounts.  Consumers are being advised to be

Half of young adults targeted by fraud scams monthly

Average of €228 lost to scammers among 18-24-year olds: FraudSMART Survey Tuesday, 4th June 2019. A new FraudSMART survey from Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) reveals that almost half (47%) of young adults aged 18-24-years old say they have been the target of attempted fraud on a monthly basis or more often. Among those

Student Rental Scams

As you start to look for accommodation for the college year or for summer trips don’t be tricked into paying a deposit for a property that does not exist, has already been rented or is actually a fraudster using a short term let to get you to pay your deposit and not show up on

Students affected by card fraud

While credit and debit cards are a very safe way to pay for goods or services or to withdraw cash, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your card and card details are kept safe. Read Stephen’s experience below: Stephen, a student at Trinity College and spoke about his experience of

Over 40% of 18-24-year olds willing to act as “Money Mules” – new FraudSMART survey

Gardai warn young adults are targets for bank details Over 1,600 Money Mule cases reported by main Irish retail banks in 2018 Wednesday 10th April 2019 –  An Garda Síochána in association with FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), are advising consumers, particularly young adults, to be

Broadband Phone Scams

Consumers and retailers urged to take precautions with an increase in phone scams An Garda Síochána in association with the FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), are advising consumers to be on the alert to a phone scam in which fraudsters claim to be calling from utility companies

Safe Online Shopping Campaign 2018

Consumers and retailers urged to take precautions in run up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday €46.5bn spent worldwide on Credit & Debit Cards issued in Ireland in 2017 with €15.5bn spent online. Downward trend in card fraud with year on year decrease from €45.2m in 2016 to €29m in 2017. 80% of card fraud

The Great Irish Cash Giveaway – Episode 2

National Fraud Awareness week runs from 12th to 18th November. Over the course of the week a social media campaign titled, The Great Irish Cash Giveaway, featuring actor and television presenter Simon Delaney, will air each day on FraudSMART’s social media channels, explaining the five common types of financial fraud scams including phone scams, invoice

New Fraud Prevention Guide Launched for Businesses

FraudSMART has published a new fraud prevention guide for businesses outlining the common types of financial fraud affecting Irish businesses and providing advice on how to avoid them. A copy of the guide can be downloaded here While most businesses take steps to prevent fraud there has recently been a rise in financial fraud attacks

Fraud Awareness Week 2018 – The Great Irish Cash Giveaway

National Fraud Awareness week runs from 12th to 18th November. Over the course of the week a social media campaign titled, The Great Irish Cash Giveaway, featuring actor and television presenter Simon Delaney, will air each day on FraudSMART’s social media channels, explaining the five common types of financial fraud scams including phone scams, invoice

Over a Third of SMEs Targeted by Financial Fraud in Last 12 Months

New research reveals that one in eighteen attempts of financial fraud on SMEs is successful   A new survey has revealed that over a third (36%) of Irish SMEs have been targeted by financial fraud in the past twelve months, with 1 in 18 of these attempts proving successful. Using CSO figures, this equates to

Europol Cyber Scams Awareness

Banking & Payments Federation Ireland and An Garda Síochána in co-operation with the Department of Justice and Equality is supporting Europol and the European Banking Federation in the Pan-European #CyberScams Awareness Campaign from 17th to 23rd October 2018 as part of European Cyber Security Month.   The tactics used by cybercriminals to scam victims are

Win new iPhone with Spin 1038 & FraudSMART

Get FraudSMART and win a new iPhone with Spin 1038 Don’t believe everything you hear and see! If something seems too good to be true online, then it probably is. Scams, both online and offline are nothing new and like everything else in the world, scams get more sophisticated with time. Large amounts of fraudsters

New Brochure for Consumers

FraudSMART has published a new fraud prevention guide for personal customers outlining the common types of financial fraud affecting consumers and providing advice on how to avoid them. A copy of the guide can be downloaded here While most frauds still use telephone and emails to commit the crime the ways in which they are

Older People Prime Targets for Financial Fraud

FraudSMART Teams Up with Age Action for Awareness Campaign for Older People Increased Reports of ‘Vishing’ Phone Scams FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative established by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), has teamed up with Age Action to raise awareness of the types of fraud and scams that older people are being targeted with. In

Social Media Scam Alert

Reports have been received by FraudSMART of a recent scam targeting businesses where fraudsters are scanning social media and using messages posted by businesses to banks’ social media channels to identify potential victims of fraud. The fraudster calls the business after the posting claiming to be from the bank and offering to assist them with

Safer Internet Day 2018

Safer Internet Day is being celebrated on the February 6th, 2018. Over 90,000 people across Ireland have signed up to do a Safer Internet Day event in their school, youth organisation or club. You can check out the website http://www.saferinternetday.ie to find out more information and also to download useful handbooks for teenagers and children

Email Scam Alert

Be Fraud Aware! Reports have been made to FraudSMART that an email scam is currently at large. The scam comes in the form of an email pertaining to be your Bank asking for confirmation of your personal and financial details in order to comply with Anti Money Laundering Regulations. Be Alert! This is not a

12 Tips for a Fraud Free Festive Season

FraudSMART is kicking off the festive season asking consumers and businesses alike to take note of FraudSMART’s 12 Top Tips to protect themselves against financial fraud this Christmas. The campaign jointly developed by the banking sector, led by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, is asking people to visit FraudSMART.ie, or follow FraudSMART on Facebook and

Cyber Monday: Safe Online Shopping (SOS) – Advice to Consumers

On Tuesday 21st November, An Garda Síochána in association with the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland and Retail Excellence are launching the S.O.S. (Safe Online Shopping) campaign. In advance of Cyber Monday, 27th November 2017, the public and retailers are reminded to shop and sell on line safely, making every effort to protect their

Cyber Monday: Safe Online Shopping (SOS) – Advice to Retailers

On Tuesday 21st November, An Garda Síochána in association with the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland and Retail Excellence are launching the S.O.S. (Safe Online Shopping) campaign. In advance of Cyber Monday, 27th November 2017, the public and retailers are reminded to shop and sell on line safely, making every effort to protect their

Fraud Alert – Cold Calling Scam

Fraud Alert: There are reports of consumers receiving cold calls from fraudsters claiming to be ‘their Bank looking into suspicious transactions’. Be Alert! Key Details: Fraudulent calls have been targeting customers trying to persuade them that their Credit / Debit Card has been compromised. These scams will usually request confirmation of identity details and potentially

Fraud Alert – Smishing

As a result of recent smishing activity targeting Irish consumers, FraudSMART is issuing this important reminder to be wary of unsolicited text messages claiming to be your bank. The fraud is in the form of a text message, asking customers to confirm financial or personal information. This text may ask the receiver to click on

New FraudSMART campaign helps protect against financial fraud

FraudSMART, a new fraud prevention and protection initiative, is arming Irish consumers and businesses with information, top tips and advice on how they can best protect themselves against financial fraud and the latest scams as part of Financial Fraud Awareness Week.  The campaign jointly developed by the banking sector, led by the Banking and Payments

National Fraud Awareness Week launches in Ireland

Ireland’s first ever Fraud Awareness Week runs from October 9-15 58% of people in Ireland believe they are more vulnerable to fraud now, than two years ago New go-to website FraudSMART.ie launches in Ireland as part of campaign Press Release, Monday, 9 October 2017: A new campaign, FraudSMART, launched today as part of Ireland’s inaugural

Fraud Alert – Overpayment Scam

A number of businesses have recently been targeted by fraudsters posing as new customers. They order goods or services for which they make an overpayment and then seek a refund. The original order payment, usually a cheque or draft, later turns out to be bogus leaving the business with a loss.   Key Details –

Fraud Alert – Vishing (Telephone) Scam

There are increasing reports of consumers being cold-called by fraudsters claiming to be from a major computer company or financial institution.  A number of individuals have been duped, have disclosed their information and have suffered financial loss. Key Details – how does the scam work The consumer is contacted, and the caller claims to be:

Fraud Alert – CEO Fraud

Irish businesses have been targeted by fraudsters using bogus emails that claim to be from a senior member of staff within the organisation requesting an urgent payment or electronic transfer be made outside of normal procedures or trading patterns. Key Details – how does the scam work? A member of staff in the finance or

Fraud Alert – Vishing Scam

There are increasing reports of bank customers being cold-called by fraudsters claiming to be from a well-known retail outlet and being told that a third party is currently in the outlet attempting to fraudulently use their card. A number of customers have been duped and substantial sums have been transacted. Key Details  – how does

Fraud Alert – Trojans/Malware

Due to increased activity from new Trojans/ Malware (malicious software) variants primarily attacking business banking customers across Europe, business banking customers are being alerted to implement safeguards in order to protect themselves. Key Points – how does the scam work? For business/corporate banking: Malware is delivered via an email attachment or a link to an

Fraud Alert – Social Engineering

A number of banking customers in Ireland have fallen prey to frauds that involve various forms of social engineering – where the information required is garnered from a person rather than breaking into a system. Key Details  – how does the scam work? Phone Fraud Scam Some businesses and individuals have fallen victim to a

Fraud Alert – Invoice Re-direction Fraud

A number of businesses in Ireland have fallen victim to a scam involving bogus emails being received that claim to be from an existing creditor. The email generally contains a letter as an attachment, the letter claims to notify the receiver of new or amended bank account details to which all future payments are to

Fraud Alert – Bogus Lodgements

Businesses and consumers are been advised to be wary of a ‘bogus lodgement’ scam which has recently effected a number Irish bank customers. The scam involves bogus lodgements being credited to bank accounts, disguised as electronic payments from overseas. Key Details – how does the scam work?  Some common characteristics to help spot  bogus lodgements

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