NI Money Expert's top tips for spotting the latest scams from AI to Phishing

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


As scams become increasingly sophisticated, thousands of people across Northern Ireland are falling victim. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland over 5,400 cases were reported between December 2022 and January 2023, resulting in losses exceeding £23million. However, the true impact is likely far greater, as many scams go unreported leaving victims without the necessary support.

According to Sinead Campbell, Head of Money, Debt, and Quality at Advice NI, the situation is worsening with the rise of AI-driven scams, where fraudsters use advanced technology to create highly convincing fake emails, texts, and even voice messages that closely mimic official communications from banks, national debt lines and even debt collectors.

Sinead explains, “The new wave of AI-driven fraud is designed to intimidate and deceive victims with alarming precision and these increasingly sophisticated scams can have severe financial consequences, pushing individuals into long-term debt and hardship. Falling victim to a scam isn't a reflection of the individual – at Advice NI we’re seeing new scam tactics emerging every week and it's crucial to understand that these scams are designed to be hard to spot, making anyone vulnerable to being caught off guard.”

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Below Sinead shares her advice with tips on how to spot a scam and where to find support you can trust.

Beware of Unsolicited Communications

Scammers often reach out through unexpected emails, calls, or messages, pretending to be from banks or reputable companies. Always verify the identity of the sender through official channels before engaging. Banks and legitimate businesses will never rush you or impose tight deadlines. If you feel pressured to act quickly, it’s a red flag. Take your time, verify the details, and don’t be afraid to hang up or delete the message if something feels off.

Look for Red Flags in Communication

One common sign of a scam is poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unusual phrasing in communications. While scammers are becoming more sophisticated, their messages can still contain subtle errors. If you receive an email or message that seems suspicious, pay close attention to the details. Even minor mistakes can be a sign that something isn’t right.

Never Share Personal or Financial Information

Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, or full account details over the phone, email, or text. If you are asked to provide personal information, especially under the guise of a ‘security check’ do not comply. Instead, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website to confirm the request. Always be cautious when sharing your details online and remember that legitimate companies will respect your need for security.

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Be Wary of Too Good to Be True Offers

Scammers often entice their victims with promises of sums of money, free gifts, or investment opportunities that seem too good to pass up. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Always take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment, so it’s essential to stay calm and scrutinise any unexpected offers.

Report Suspected Scams and Seek Support

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts and report the incident. You can also report phishing emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk or scam texts to 7726. Most importantly, don’t suffer in silence. If you’ve been scammed and are struggling with debt, reach out for help. Advice NI offers free, confidential support to those affected by scams. “Seeking support is the first step towards finding a solution,” Sinead emphasises. “You are not alone, and there’s no shame in being a victim. Our team is here to help you regain control of your finances.”

For free and confidential advice, contact Advice NI’s Money and Debt Service at 0800 915 4604, available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

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