FraudSMART warns that online scams are increasingly using AI-generated adverts. Ads may include fake images or videos of well-known politicians and businesspeople encouraging people to click links to register for schemes. The scams align with a broader pattern of investment fraud that has targeted people in their 50s seeking opportunities before retirement. Garda figures show investment fraud reports rising by more than 20% in 2025 compared with 2024, with losses exceeding €20 million, and the trend continuing into 2026. Fraudsters exploit recent news about a planned state-backed savings and investment scheme to appear legitimate, claim limited places are being snapped up, and promise guaranteed returns or guaranteed monthly income. Protection guidance includes not sharing personal or banking details, avoiding links from adverts, and taking time rather than acting under pressure.
"FraudSMART, led by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, has warned consumers of a surge in AI-generated online adverts. It said there is a rise in ads featuring fake images or videos of high-profile politicians and businesspeople encouraging consumers to click a link to register for a scheme. This is the latest trend in an ongoing wave of investment fraud in recent years, particularly targeting people in their 50s who may be looking for investment opportunities ahead of retirement."
"Fraudsters are exploiting recent news coverage of a planned state-backed savings and investment scheme to make their adverts appear legitimate. They often claim the scheme is open to everyone, but that places are limited and being 'snapped up' fast, in order to pressure people to act quickly. They typically promise guaranteed returns or a guaranteed monthly income."
"New figures from An Garda Síochána show an increase of over 20pc in reports of investment fraud in 2025 compared to 2024,with more than €20m in losses. This upwards trend is continuing into 2026. Commenting on wider investment scam trends, Michael Cryan, Detective Superintendent at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said individual losses can vary from €250 to €10,000 and far beyond."
"How to protect yourself from investment scams, according to FraudSMART: Never share personal or banking details with unknown individuals or companies. Be wary of online adverts and videos: Fraudsters use fake ads and videos featuring well-known public figures to promote bogus investment offers. Avoid clicking on links and always search for the company or investment directly through a trusted source. Pause and take your time: Legitimate investment opportunities will never pressure you to transfer money immed"
#investment-fraud #ai-generated-scams #online-advertising #financial-crime-prevention #consumer-protection
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