Beat the fraudsters with help from Bank of Ireland
Everyone is at risk from scammers and fraudsters and they are always becoming more sophisticated so Bank of Ireland is running a fraud awareness event this month.
It takes place at 11am on Thursday 29 May in its branch on Patrick Street and will focus on new and common types of fraud and scams and how consumers can keep their personal information and finances safe from scammers.
Anyone can attend and it will include advice from Bank of Ireland’s fraud team. The bank has held more than 25 fraud awareness events nationwide so far this year.
The vast majority of the population have experienced fraudulent communications via text, email or on the phone. Research commissioned by Bank of Ireland last year shows that three in four consumers want to be able to speak directly with someone at their bank or financial service provider if they fall victim to fraud.
Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Our in-branch events are free for everybody to attend and have been well attended across the country. The aim is to make everyone more aware of the various types of fraud, and what to do if you become a victim of fraud.
“Banks have a clear role to play in preventing fraud, a commitment which Bank of Ireland takes very seriously through a range of measures to detect, prevent, and manage fraud. Our message to customers is clear: Stop, Think, Check. Treat every unsolicited call, text or email as a potential fraud attempt. If something sounds too good to be true, it is.”
Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800-946764.
Bank of Ireland is promoting fraud awareness in a number of ways:
Hosting a series of in-person fraud awareness events in Bank of Ireland branches across the country;
Partnering with local community groups and businesses to host tailored fraud awareness events;
24/7 365 days of the year phone support for customers impacted by fraud.
Bank of Ireland announced recently that it will upgrade 22 of its branches across Ireland throughout 2025, with a €7m investment bringing a range of branch improvements.
The branch upgrades Cork will take place in Ballincollig and Blackpool. As part of this investment package customer areas will be refurbished, wheelchair access at branches will be improved at a number of locations, and colleague facilities will be upgraded.
New ATMs will be installed as part of the branch upgrades, with 14 new machines already installed in a number of branches. These ATMs can be used for both withdrawals and lodgements, and will ‘recycle’ cash (i.e. cash deposited can be used for withdrawals). This maximises ATM availability, supporting customers with better access to cash when required. To support visually impaired customers, the new devices will have high-contrast screens and the option of plugging into an earphone socket so the user can be guided through their transaction by voice assistance.