Purchase Scams are on the rise in Northern Ireland: Bank of Ireland warn NI Christmas Shoppers to Stay Alert

 

 

As many shoppers head online to buy gifts and more in the countdown to Christmas, Bank of Ireland has issued a warning for consumers to be extra vigilant with purchase scams on the rise and now accounting for 2 in 3 of all fraudulent incidents reported.

Purchase scams – which often sees fraudsters use social media channels to trick consumers into buying products or services that don’t exist or are not as advertised –  have increased by 27% over the last eighteen months and now account for 67% of all scams reported to the Bank, with a significant number of purchase scams originating on social media.

New research*** commissioned by Bank of Ireland as part of its latest fraud awareness campaign, demonstrates how big a problem frauds and scams have become for consumers in Northern Ireland:

• 87% believe fraud is a big problem in society today
• In the last twelve months, 48% of 18-34 year old social media users have received fraudulent social media ads, accounts or messages and 39% have received fraudulent WhatsApp messages
• While almost 70% (or 69%) of consumers questioned are confident in their own ability to recognise fraudulent content on social media, 26% of social media users report falling for fraudulent social media ads
• Nearly half (47%) of 18-34 year olds are most concerned about their grandparents being scammed; 41% of 35-54 year olds are most concerned about parents being scammed and 40% of those aged 55+ are most concerned for their children
• When it comes to fraud prevention, 87% would be in favour of an SMS scam filter – which would help block scam messages before they reach a consumers phone.

Allison Ewing, Fraud Manager, Education & Awareness at Bank of Ireland said: 

“As the results from our research show, fewer than a quarter of consumers trust social media companies to protect users from fraud – the public need and deserve for these companies to do more.  No company should profit from fraudulent activity.

We continue to play our part in advocating for and protecting consumers from financial harm, reminding everyone to Stop, Think and Check before making a payment or sharing information, and I encourage anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a scam to report it straight away to your bank – we’re here and ready to help.”

The Bank is also reminding customers that its dedicated fraud support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Christmas and New Year. Customers can contact the fraud team using Freephone line 0800 121 7790 or by dialling 159, the memorable short code number that connects consumers safely with their bank.

Detailed advice and information on how to stay safe from all types of financial fraud, including purchase scams is available at: Bank of Ireland UK, Security and Fraud.

*Bank of Ireland research conducted by Ipsos B&A on 5-15th September 2025

Nationally Representative sample of 521 consumers 18+ in Northern Ireland