A new study reveals the alarming extent of scams in Ireland, with 81% of people targeted in 2024. The research highlights the increasing frequency and sophistication of scams, making them harder to identify. It also exposes a gender gap in scam losses, with men losing significantly more money than women. The study calls for improved scam education, particularly for younger generations, and urges individuals to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves.
Scams have become a pervasive issue in Ireland , affecting a significant portion of the population. A recent study by Wise, a global money transfer app, revealed that a staggering 81% of Irish individuals faced scam attempts in 2024. The research, conducted in January 2025, surveyed 2,000 adults and highlighted the growing sophistication and frequency of scams, making them increasingly difficult to detect.
The study also revealed a gender disparity in scam losses, with men experiencing significantly higher financial setbacks compared to women. The average loss for men was €2,168.73, while women lost an average of €1,151.22. Experts attribute this discrepancy to men's reluctance to disclose their victimization to family members, potentially limiting access to support and guidance.The study underscores the growing vulnerability of younger demographics to scams. Over 39% of individuals aged 16 to 24 reported receiving scam text messages in the past year, a significantly higher rate than other age groups. This alarming trend has fueled calls for scam education to be integrated into school curricula, with nearly half of the respondents emphasizing the importance of teaching children how to identify and avoid scams. While many Irish consumers are aware of the prevalence of scams, a concerning number remain unsure of where to seek assistance if they fall victim to a fraud attempt. Over half (54%) of the respondents admitted to lacking knowledge about available resources.The most common scams encountered by consumers included impersonation scams, online shopping scams, and rental scams. Despite the heightened awareness, nearly half of Irish consumers continue to make impulse purchases regularly, and fewer than half take proactive measures to prevent becoming victims.The study also revealed that despite a majority of Irish individuals regularly checking their financial statements for fraudulent activity, only a quarter have set up fraud alerts with their financial providers or credit card companies, and only 11% have registered with identity theft monitoring services. Experts emphasize the need for vigilance, particularly when seeking bargains or deals, as the financial pressures of January can make consumers more vulnerable to scams. They urge individuals to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and to be aware of common red flags.In response to the escalating threat of sophisticated scams, the Irish government has proposed new legislation aimed at combating this growing problem. These measures include the publication of a National Economic Crime Strategy and the development of a shared fraud database.
SCAM IRELAND FRAUD FINANICIAL CRIME CONSUMER PROTECTION
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