Consumers are being warned to stay alert this April Fool’s Day, as scammers continue to target people with increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Fraud and economic crime in Ireland rose by 137 per cent in 2025, according to figures from An Garda Síochána, highlighting the growing scale of the problem.
While April 1 is usually associated with harmless pranks, cybercriminals are using the confusion around the day to their advantage. Experts say scammers are now using more advanced methods, including AI driven techniques, to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
Consumers are being advised to be cautious when opening emails, clicking on links or responding to unexpected messages, particularly those that create a sense of urgency or seem too good to be true.
With scams becoming more convincing, the message is clear that staying sceptical and taking a moment to verify information can help prevent people from falling victim.
- Travel scams
The summer travel season is on the horizon, and scammers are hot on its heels, looking to exploit consumers with fake last-minute deals. From non-existent rentals to counterfeit tickets, fraudsters are targeting holidaymakers through websites, social media and unsolicited messages. The CCPC reports that 16% of Irish holidaymakers experienced issues with foreign holidays last summer, while one in three travelled without insurance, leaving many more exposed to fraudulent offers and financial loss.
- WhatsApp “pump and dump” investment scams
Victims are added to WhatsApp groups where fraudsters pose as financial experts and promote fake investment opportunities to inflate asset prices before cashing out. Bank of Ireland warns this tactic is on the rise, with seven in ten (70%) Irish social media users saying they don’t trust platforms to protect them from fraud and nearly three-quarters expressing distrust in online ads.
- When messages can’t be trusted
From fake bank alerts to “missed delivery” texts, scammers are increasingly posing as trusted brands to trick people into sharing personal and financial information. These scams, known as “smishing”, are particularly effective because we’re more likely to open and respond to messages on our phones without thinking twice. In fact, AI analysis shows that 57% of payment fraud cases in early 2025 started with a simple text message.
In line with this, Lynette Owens at Trend Micro advises consumers to stay alert with these simple but critical steps:
- Pause before you click: Scammers rely on urgency. Whether it’s expiring points or “limited time” offers, take a moment to verify before acting.
- Go directly to the source: Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit official websites or apps to check offers, deliveries or account updates.
- Watch for multi-step scams: Today’s scams unfold across texts, calls and websites. What starts as a harmless message can escalate into a larger fraud attempt.
- Be wary of “too good to be true” offers: From AI investment clubs to gambling wins, guaranteed returns or easy money are major red flags.
- Use proactive protection tools: AI-powered cybersecurity tools can help detect scam patterns early and provide real-time alerts, helping users spot threats before they escalate.
Modern scams are no longer isolated messages they’re multi-step, AI-enhanced campaigns designed to build trust and manipulate victims over time. Yet, many consumers still underestimate their risk, making awareness and early detection more important than ever.
April Fool’s might be about jokes, but scammers are playing for keeps. Staying informed and sceptical is your best defence.
