The Central Bank of Ireland published research on consumer fraud and scams, finding that 35% of Irish adults have experienced fraud or scams and that nearly two-thirds of victims incurred financial losses, based on a nationally representative survey of almost 3,000 adults. It noted that the consumer impact may be underestimated relative to reported payment fraud, which totalled EUR 160 million in 2024, a 24.5% increase from 2023. Online purchase scams were the most common experience (48% of victims), followed by debit and credit card fraud (34%), delivery service impersonation (15%) and phishing or email scams (13%). While 39% of victims lost less than EUR 249, investment fraud stood out as a higher-loss risk despite affecting 7% of respondents. The study links reporting to better outcomes: 57% of victims who reported to their bank, An Garda Síochána or another relevant authority recovered their money, compared with 13% of those who did not report, and 38% of victims did not report to their financial service provider or any authority. Risky online behaviours were the strongest predictor of fraud experience, and fraud-specific literacy was associated with lower fraud exposure, unlike general financial literacy. The Central Bank highlighted a statutory right to a refund for unauthorised payment transactions, subject to limited exceptions, and said work is underway with regulated firms to improve customer service for fraud cases.
Central Bank of Ireland 2026-04-28
Central Bank of Ireland research finds 35% of Irish adults have experienced fraud and 38% of victims did not report it
The Central Bank of Ireland published research showing that 35% of Irish adults have experienced fraud or scams, with nearly two-thirds of victims incurring financial losses, and reported payment fraud reaching EUR 160 million in 2024, up 24.5% from 2023. Online purchase scams and card fraud were the most common, while investment fraud, though less prevalent, involved higher losses. The study finds that reporting fraud significantly improves recovery rates, identifies risky online behaviour and fraud-specific literacy as key drivers of exposure, and notes ongoing work with regulated firms to improve handling of fraud cases and awareness of consumers’ refund rights for unauthorised transactions.