Romance fraud is when a fraudster builds a fake persona and relationship with a victim to gain their trust and trick them into sending money. Fraudsters set up a fake profile on social media or dating apps/websites to meet and then exploit their victims. They often impersonate celebrities, claiming secrecy and requesting funds as their assets are frozen due to legal reasons. Romance scams can last a long time as the fraudster gradually builds trust.
- Quick declarations of love. Real relationships take time to develop but scammers declare their undying love faster than you can say “catfish”.
- Sob stories. Fraudsters love a tragedy. They try to gain sympathy by mentioning a dying family member, illness or financial hardship
- Mysterious professions. Fraudsters often say they have a glamorous but isolating job that makes it hard for them to answer your video calls or meet you in person.
- Stop – if in doubt, chat with a trusted friend or family member.
- Think – look for red flags such as their reluctance to meet in person. Pay attention to inconsistencies in their stories. Celebrities will never personally message fans for money.
- Check – use reverse image search tools to check if their photos are stolen. Always research the person’s identity before getting emotionally or financially involved.
Please get in touch with us if you:
- shared your online login, card or banking details in response to a suspicious call, text or email;
- believe your card has been lost or stolen (top tip – if you think you might have just misplaced your card, you can temporarily freeze/unfreeze it via the app or 365 online);
- notice suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions on your account;
- need to report online or ATM fraud.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Available 24 hours 7 days a week
Republic of Ireland
Freephone: 1800 946 764 (personal and business)
Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Freephone: 0800 121 7790 (personal and business)
Everywhere outside Republic of Ireland, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Not Freephone + 353 1 679 8993
Not Freephone + 353 56 775 7007 (Lost/Stolen cards or smart device)
Report a suspicious email or text
To report suspicious Bank of Ireland related emails or texts (both personal and business customers), send the suspicious email or text to 365security@boi.com or fill out our report fraud form