– A new survey has revealed that 78% of Irish adults are being targeted by scams at least once a month, with scam text messages, emails, phone calls, and online content on the rise. The research, conducted by the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) as part of its FraudSmart initiative, surveyed 1,000 people and highlights growing concerns around financial fraud.
The survey, conducted in February, found that mobile phones are the most common channel for scam attempts. According to the results, 58% of respondents reported receiving scam text messages, while 52% encountered scam calls. Additionally, nearly half of those surveyed said they had been targeted by scam emails.
The prevalence of these scam communications is increasing, with 45% of respondents stating they are encountering more scams than they did a year ago. The study was part of the BPFI’s ‘See the Scam behind the Screen’ campaign, which is supported by Google and focuses on raising awareness of social engineering scams. These scams manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive personal and financial information.
While many individuals are aware of these risks, the survey found that a majority are not taking basic security measures online. Less than a third of respondents check for secure ‘https’ web addresses when browsing, and only about 26% visit official websites directly instead of clicking links in social media posts or pop-up ads.
Respondents also showed some positive signs of resistance, with over half of mobile phone users reporting that they block suspicious numbers and avoid unsolicited calls and messages from unrecognized sources.
Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at BPFI, emphasized that while awareness has increased, there is still significant work to be done to ensure people take the necessary steps to protect themselves. She explained that the FraudSmart campaign aims to encourage individuals to be more cautious when receiving suspicious communications, particularly those involving phishing, fake offers, or impersonation scams.
Davenport also recommended practical steps to avoid falling victim to scams, including avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and taking time to verify any links or messages received. “My advice would be to never click on a suspicious link. Instead, go directly to the website yourself,” she said.
She also urged people to use secure Wi-Fi networks, noting that public Wi-Fi could expose sensitive information to fraudsters.
For those who believe they have been scammed, Davenport advised contacting their bank immediately using the phone number on the back of their bank card. She also stressed the importance of using independently verified contact information rather than relying on details provided in suspicious communications.
The BPFI’s survey also highlighted concerns about the potential for new technologies, such as generative AI, to further fuel financial fraud, as they enable fraudsters to create even more convincing scam content.
