BANK OF IRELAND has said the number of purchase scam cases referred to its fraud team has increased by close to 50% in the first half of the year.

When compared to the final six months of 2024, there’s been a 47% rise in purchase scam cases with Bank of Ireland in the first six months of 2025.

Purchase scams see fraudsters tricking people into buying goods or services which are fake or don’t exist.

An analysis by Bank of Ireland’s fraud team revealed that the monetary value of losses associated with these scams rose by 16%, with consumers being defrauded on items ranging from cosmetics to electronics, garden tools to concert tickets.

Ahead of the busiest retail weeks of the year, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas shopping period, Bank of Ireland is advising consumers to remain vigilant.

With purchasing overall reaching peak levels, Bank of Ireland has warned that fraudsters take advantage of the increased online retail traffic, targeting key gifting categories such as electronics, beauty products and clothing.

The Bank said these fraudsters are “highly skilled at creating fake websites that appear genuine, displaying the latest ‘styles’ at ‘keen’ prices to lure people into purchasing top-end clothing at seemingly giveaway rates”.

But once the payment is transferred, the scam is complete and the seller usually cuts all contact and the product doesn’t arrive.

Bank of Ireland has advised customers to ensure they have enough information about the item – and where possible, view it in person – before paying in full.

It has also advised customers to be aware of pop-up ads on social media or ads on online marketplaces, as fraudsters can pay to have their ads appear there.

Customers should also go directly to the online shopping site by typing the web address into your web browser.

The public is also reminded that links in unsolicited emails or on social media are not always safe and should be avoided, and people should research and read trusted reviews to check the site and the seller are genuine.

Customers should also try and pay by debit or credit card, as this could offer additional protection such as chargeback claims.

Nicola Sadlier, head of fraud at Bank of Ireland, remarked: “Our advice continues to be that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

“The 47% rise in purchase scams in the first half of this year underlines the need for people to stay vigilant, to buy from trusted outlets and websites, and to avoid complacency when shopping online or in person.”

Anyone suspecting they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud, and try to recover the funds.

Revenue meanwhile also reminded consumers to be wary of counterfeit goods and online scams.

If items are suspected of infringing intellectual property rights, they will be detained by Revenue and checked with the rights holder.

A Revenue spokesperson added that consumers should be aware that counterfeit products are often of inferior quality and, in some cases, unsafe.

The spokesperson also encouraged the public to remain vigilant against online scams and fraudulent sellers.

“Always ensure you are buying from a reputable source, and be cautious of prices that appear too good to be true.”