Fronted by TV personality
Majority of consumers will shop more online this Christmas than last
62% of consumers are worried about being targeted by online fraudsters
43% feel more exposed to online fraud due to COVID-19 and the need to be online
58% intend to shop online more this Christmas than last year
55% have received a fraudulent email/SMS/call claiming to be from their bank
More than six in ten (62%) consumers are worried about being targeted by online fraudsters and over four in ten (43%) feel more exposed to online fraud threats due to being online more since COVID-19, according to research by
The study of 1,000 consumers was carried out as
The research also shows that over half (53%) admit to spending more time shopping online since the onset of COVID-19, rising to two thirds (66%) of 18 - 34 year olds. Four in five (80%) consumers are opting to use debit and credit cards in place of cash during the pandemic. More than half (55%) of consumers indicated they have received a fraudulent email, text message or call claiming to be from their bank in the past, while seven in ten (69%) say they regularly consider the threat of fraud when online.
Commenting on fraud,
With Level 5 restrictions now in force and many retail outlets shuttered across the country, online activity will spike even further in the coming weeks. Our research shows that over half of us have received a fraudulent email, text message or call claiming to be from our bank, and this trend is very likely to continue as our use of cards, online shopping and digital banking continues to increase. Our new nationwide fraud awareness campaign will help protect customers' financial wellbeing and emphasises that by working together we won't let the criminals win.
Fraudsters target customers of banks, utility companies, postal, taxation and social welfare services and other organisations. They are active day in, day out, 24/7. We see the stress it causes for consumers and businesses on an ongoing basis. As a bank we have a responsibility to be extremely vigilant to these attacks and to advise our customers how to deal with the various threats. We will never text, send emails or call a customer looking for their confidential banking details. You can forward any suspicious emails or texts to us at 365Security@boi.com and if anyone is concerned that their account or personal information has been compromised, they should call our 24/7 freephone line 1800 946 764.
The research also revealed:
66% believe they know the kind of tactics used by fraudsters in attempting to steal their money.
95% said they would have little or no trust in receiving a text message or e-mail from their bank with a link requesting them to login to internet banking.
One in four (25%) feel comfortable sharing their personal information, rising to one in three (33%) of 18-34 year olds.
For more advice and information on fraud, visit www.bankofireland.com/security or www.fraudsmart.ie
The research was commissioned with RED C and the survey was conducted from 8th to
(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source