Bank of Ireland has written to over one million personal and business customers to warn them of the risks of investment fraud.
The bank said investment fraud is on the rise, with a 77% jump in cases reported across the country in 2023. "Criminals impersonate legitimate investment companies by copying their websites and brochures," the bank explained. The bank issued the following advice to its customers, warning of the red flags associated with investment fraud, and the steps people can take to safeguard their finances against fraud attempts.Follow-up calls: You receive a call having clicked on an ad for an investment product on social media or in a sponsored search result.Pressure: They advise you must act quickly to take advantage of an"opportunity of a lifetime".