In January and February 2025, AIB experienced a significant rise in reports of phone call fraud, with incidents of voice phishing, or vishing, increasing by 79% compared to the same period in 2024.
AIB has reported that fraudsters posing as representatives of reputable companies and financial institutions are increasingly using phone calls to target unsuspecting personal and business customers. These calls often suggest that customers are entitled to a refund, need to stop a fraudulent payment, or require assistance with broadband issues.
The Irish bank warns that financial criminals may instruct consumers to download software or visit unsecured websites, thereby gaining control of their devices, accessing accounts, and stealing funds. AIB emphasizes that employees managing business accounts should be particularly aware of the risks associated with vishing fraud.
Mary McHale, AIB’s head of financial crime, stated, “Fraudsters will use any means to steal your money. They will pose as legitimate companies or bank staff to trick you into downloading software and providing personal and financial information. They may even mimic a company’s genuine phone number. We urge people not to let their guard down and to remain vigilant. Take a moment to ask yourself, could this be a scam? If in doubt, end the call and verify its legitimacy using a known and trusted phone number.”