This morning, I received a text from AIB asking me to confirm a money transfer via a link. Panic set in—until I remembered that I don’t even have an AIB account. Another day, another phishing attempt.
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Irish individuals and businesses with sophisticated scams. These include:
Phishing & Smishing
Fake emails and texts often mimic trusted organisations, such as banks or An Post. Clicking links can lead to malware or credential theft. Watch for:
- Poor grammar or odd phrasing
- Suspicious sender addresses (e.g., support@aibbank-secure.com)
- Urgent language pressuring quick action
Vishing
Scammers call pretending to be from banks or Gardaí, demanding sensitive info. Always hang up and call back using verified numbers.
Spear Phishing
Highly targeted attacks utilise personal details to craft convincing messages—such as fake invoices or job applications. Always verify unexpected requests through trusted channels.
Social Media Scams
Fake profiles and messages claim you’ve won a prize or violated copyright. These link to counterfeit login pages. If a friend sends an unusual request, confirm it directly with them.
Credential Harvesting
Scammers impersonate sites like Revenue.ie, luring victims with fake tax refund messages. These sites steal sensitive data, such as PPS numbers and bank details.
Stay Safe with Zero Trust
Adopt a “never trust, always verify” mindset. Don’t click links or share info without confirming through official channels. Cybercrime is rising—64% of Irish adults have faced phishing attacks, nearly double the global average.
Pause. Verify. Protect. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues. Awareness is your best defence.
The Lazy Networker 
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