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Investigating Financial Crimes in Ireland: A Guide to Prevention and Protection
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Financial crimes are on the rise in Ireland, with individuals and businesses falling victim to scams and frauds. But by being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim.
In this article, we will explore six common types of financial crime and provide advice on how to prevent and detect them.
1. Payment Card Fraud
Payment card fraud involves using stolen or counterfeit payment cards to make direct purchases or cash withdrawals. It also includes the use of stolen card data to buy items over the phone or via the internet.
How to Protect Yourself from Payment Card Fraud
- Keep your card in a safe place at all times and never leave it lying around.
- If you are expecting a new card or PIN in the post and it doesn’t arrive, notify your bank immediately.
2. Invoice Redirection Fraud
This type of fraud involves criminals contacting businesses or sellers by email, phone, or other means, pretending to be a supplier of goods or services that they already do business with. The criminal requests that the bank account details recorded for the legitimate supplier are changed on the company’s financial system.
How to Prevent Invoice Redirection Fraud
- Ensure that all staff are aware of this type of scam and that any requests to change bank account details are brought to the attention of a supervisor for consideration.
3. CEO Fraud
This type of fraud is similar to invoice redirection fraud, but involves the criminal pretending to be the company’s CEO or other high-ranking executive.
How to Prevent CEO Fraud
- Be cautious if you receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to be your boss or another executive.
- Never give out sensitive information or transfer money without verifying the identity of the person contacting you.
4. Phone and Text Scams
This type of scam involves criminals contacting individuals by phone or text message, pretending to be from a bank, credit card issuer, utility company, or other organization.
How to Protect Yourself from Phone and Text Scams
- Always say “no” to unsolicited callers or texters seeking private information about you.
- Never give out sensitive information or transfer money without verifying the identity of the person contacting you.
5. Advance Fee Fraud
This type of scam involves criminals targeting victims to make advance payments for goods, services, or financial gains that do not materialize.
How to Prevent Advance Fee Fraud
- Be cautious if someone asks you to pay a fee for something before receiving it.
- Never give out sensitive information or transfer money without verifying the identity of the person contacting you.
6. Online Scams
This type of scam involves criminals targeting victims online, using fake profiles and websites to steal personal and financial information.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams
- Be cautious when clicking on links or responding to emails from unknown senders.
- Never give out sensitive information or transfer money without verifying the identity of the person contacting you.