Protect yourself

An investment scam is when a criminal convinces a victim to move their money to an account. The victim will believe their funds have been moved to an investment account and that they will start to see returns on their investment in the future months/ years. However, in reality the victim’s funds have been moved to an account controlled by the criminal, and it is unlikely the victim will recover their finds.

Fraudsters create fake QR codes that take you to a website that looks real. This fake site is made to steal your money or identity by getting your information or infecting your device with malware.

The internet has made banking much more accessible and convenient. With online or mobile banking being used every day, there are precautions you need to take to ensure that you enjoy the safest banking experience possible.

Fraudsters sometimes send emails pretending to be from your bank, credit card company or another company you trust. They might ask you to click on a link or open an attachment. The emails seem genuine and convincing but are designed to trick you into sharing your personal information, like your username, full PIN, or credit card number. They will often make urgent threats and try to scare you into providing your details.

Smishing is when a scammer tries to trick you into giving your personal information through text messages. Criminals may claim to be from your bank, telephone provider, delivery company or other well-known companies, asking you to confirm personal or bank details. Remember: BOIUK or the police will NEVER ask you to transfer money to a "Safe account" so ignore such text messages.

Suspicious calls, or vishing, is when a scammer calls you, claiming to be from your bank, credit card company or another company you trust. They may say that someone has been able to use your account, or made a payment, and ask for your bank card or bank account details. Remember: Bank of Ireland will never ask you to move money out of your account.

The use of strong passwords is essential in order to protect your information and identity. The best security in the world is useless if a fraudster has access to a legitimate username and password. Strong passwords can take years to crack; weak passwords can be cracked in less than 5 minutes.

Wireless networks have changed the way we use computers and mobile devices at home in the office and on the move. ‘Public’ wireless networks or hotspots mean that we can get online in places like cafés, hotels and parks. While this is very convenient, there is a security risk associated with it. When you access public Wi-Fi, you can never be sure who has set up the network and, more importantly, you don’t know who is connected to it. Malicious users could intercept anything you are doing online including capturing your passwords and reading private emails.

There are a number of potential threats online and you need to ensure that you properly protect your devices- mobiles, tablets, laptops or PCs. This will help safeguard against your device being infected with malicious software and from potentially serious consequences such as fraud and identity theft.

The ability to shop, bank, book travel and make payments online has transformed our daily lives. However, these transactions are sometimes targeted by fraudsters. Most reputable organisations make it as safe as possible for customers to conduct business with them online. Today’s cybercriminals are highly skilled at creating fake websites, and persuading consumers to divulge sensitive information and make payments.

Social media has changed the way we communicate. However, the more information you post online, the more you put yourself at risk of becoming a potential target for fraudsters. For example, if a fraudster obtains your full birth date and place of birth, they could try to use this information to access your accounts.

As with all financial transactions, please use discretion when using your card or an automated teller machine (ATM).

Identity theft happens when a fraudster steals your personal & financial information and uses it to impersonate you. Then they can do several things: access your bank accounts, open a new current or credit account in your name, change payment details for a supplier, take on new loan/s.

Sadly bereaved families face being caught out by a new scam, where criminal gangs steal the identities of legitimate firms and demand money from people who have died. Fraudsters are sending letters to grieving family members as they tie up loose ends such as paying outstanding bills, dividing up possessions and signing official paperwork, lawyers have warned.

Fraudsters convince people into downloading legitimate screen sharing software to give them access and control of your device. Once they have control of your device they can steal your personal and financial information for their gain.