Almost €100 million stolen from Irish people through scams last year

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Holiday makers are being warned to be very careful as they plan their annual break away.

The Irish Times reports that €98.6 million was stolen by fraudsters last year, which is an increase of 16% on 2022.

Data from FraudSmart for 2023 shows card scams accounted for 95% of fraudulent transactions.

While unauthorised electronic transfers accounted for losses of just under €34 million.

Head of Financial Crime at the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland Niamh Davenport is urging holiday makers to be wary.

Ms. Davenport reminds people booking holidays online "to make sure that you use trusted websites."

She also urges people to be on "alert for fake emails and social media ads" that are offering prices that are "too good to be true."