In the first two months of 2025, AIB reported a significant rise in phone call fraud, with voice phishing—commonly known as vishing—surging by 79% compared to the same period in 2024.

Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating representatives of reputable companies and financial institutions, targeting both personal and business customers. These scams often involve false promises of refunds, warnings about fraudulent transactions, or claims of technical issues, such as broadband problems, to manipulate victims into compliance.

AIB warns that scammers may instruct unsuspecting individuals to download software or visit unsecured websites, giving them remote access to devices and enabling them to steal money or sensitive account information. Business account managers, in particular, are advised to stay alert to these fraudulent tactics, as criminals often target organizations as well as individuals. The bank stresses the importance of recognizing and avoiding these scams to prevent financial losses.

Mary McHale, AIB’s head of financial crime, emphasizes the deceptive strategies fraudsters use, including mimicking legitimate phone numbers to appear credible. She advises customers to remain cautious, never download unknown software, and avoid sharing personal or financial details over the phone. "Take a moment and ask yourself, could this be a scam?" she urges. "End the call immediately and verify its legitimacy using a known and trusted contact number."