Farm families warned over online scams

< DAN DOONER

Farm families have been warned to remain vigilant this summer as online scams continue to soar. This latest advice follows recent research by Technological University Dublin which showed that more than half of 1,333 farmers surveyed said they had been victims of crime.

IFA Farm Business Chair Rosey Mary McDonagh said it is important that families be extravigilant with their data in the face of increasing instances of online fraud.

“I would ask everyone to ensure they double-check that who they are dealing with or making payments to are who they say they are; and not to reply to unsolicited texts, calls or emails,” she said.

Describing the rising trend in scams as “very concerning”, the IFA Chair said the latest data from An Garda Síochána indicates a 560 per cent rise in such cases since the pandemic.

fully resourced to catch and stop these fraudsters and financial institutions should assess their systems to have them as robust as possible to deter fraudsters,” she concluded.

While the amenity boasts a number of attractions such as various trails and exercise equipment as well as nature trails and old historic ruins, Senator Murphy has urged Sliabh Bawn DAC to provide additional facilities.

“I have been speaking to people in Coillte about the need for an area for people with disabilities, a second playground and more nature trails,” he said. The Fianna Fáil Senator said that he has also raised the significance of Sliabh Bawn with representatives of Fáilte Ireland in a bid for further promotion as part of the Hidden Heartlands brand.

“The number of phishing frauds, whereby a person is contacted by text, email or phone call and inadvertently reveals sensitive data about their bank account, credit card or passwords has also increased by over 400 per cent in the same period,” she said.

“An Garda Síochána have to be l

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