Majority of consumers now targeted with scam texts, emails or calls at least once a month but less than one third taking basic online security steps

"More than three quarters (78%) of Irish adults are being targeted with scam text messages, emails, phone calls or online content at least monthly according to the latest research undertaken by FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). The research was undertaken as part of a major new FraudSMART awareness campaign See the Scam behind the Screen, supported by Google, to highlight the uptick in and dangers of social engineering tactics which now underpin the majority of frauds and scams and are increasingly being used by criminals to groom or manipulate victims into transferring money or divulging personal and financial details."

Fraud Smart have shared some simple steps consumers can take to prevent themselves falling victim to these deception tactics....

• Think Before You Click – pause before engaging with unexpected messages, emails or offers.
• Verify, Don’t Trust – always independently check websites, senders, and requests. Use Scamchecker.ie
• Protect you Financial Information – never share banking security codes, full PINs, or passwords and remember your bank will never ask for them
• Block & Report – stop repeat scams by blocking and reporting fraud attempts.
• Stay One Step Ahead – knowledge is power. Sign up for real-time scam alerts through FraudSMART.ie

For the full article and some great information on protecting yourself online and from scams in general, go to https://www.fraudsmart.ie/2025/03/10/spot-the-scam-behind-the-screen/