Bank of Ireland Newry Hosts Fraud Awareness Event

Businesses in Newry received practical tips and support to help safeguard them and their finances from scams at a free fraud awareness event organised by Bank of Ireland and the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade on Thursday 27 June.

The event, held at Newry Conference and Banqueting Centre, focussed on educating consumers on new and common types of financial frauds and scams and how to keep their personal information and finances safe from scammers. 

Allison Ewing, Fraud Customer Experience Manager, Bank of Ireland who presented at the event said: “Financial scams and frauds can take on many different forms, but they have one common goal – to take your money.  

“Through our fraud awareness events we want to make consumers more aware of the various types of fraud, what to do if they are ever a victim of fraud, and how we are investing in fraud detection and prevention to protect them from financial criminals.

“At Bank of Ireland, we invest significantly in our fraud and financial crime operations to equip our people with the resources and support to protect customers, ensuring that when customers are targeted by a fraudster they know they can talk to us, and not a bot, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. 

“Our message to all consumers is clear – Stop, Think, Check. If something sounds too good to be true, it is. Be suspicious and keep your guard up.”

Peter McGahan, CEO of Worldwide Financial Planning, provided an insight into the psychology behind scams.  He said: “Being the victim of a scam can happen to any of us. We are all targets and there’s absolutely no shame in becoming a victim. These criminals are very clever, and they don’t care that they’ve just stolen your money. But your bank manager cares. Your independent financial adviser (IFA) cares. So, while you may not get a dopamine rush dealing with your bank manager, or your IFA, it’s better than watching your life’s savings, or children’s inheritance, being taken from you by an unknown entity. Look after your emotional needs in healthy ways, recognise the amygdala hijack when it happens and just stop. The bank’s message is loud and clear – Stop! Think! Check!”

Attendees at the event also heard from Michael Savage, CEO, Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, and Tom Jameson, Crime Prevention Officer, PSNI.

Bank of Ireland has over 200 colleagues working solely on fraud prevention, protection and the detection of financial crime.  The Bank also provides 24/7 phone access where customers who are worried about, or who have been impacted by, fraud or financial crime can speak directly to a Bank of Ireland Fraud team member. 

In addition to providing immediate support to consumers, Bank of Ireland has partnered with Victim Support NI, recognising that the harm caused by fraudsters often goes beyond the immediate financial impacts.

If people suspect they have been a victim of fraud or financial crime they should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can take action to stop a fraud in progress and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call our Fraud Team 24/7, on the Freephone line 0800 121 7790. 

For advice and information on how to stay safe from fraud, visit the Security and Fraud page on the Bank of Ireland UK website.