Latest news with #irish
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
300pc rise in Irish phone scam payments, says AIB
The bank says that the value of fraudulent payments has tripled in the first half of this year as waves of scam texts, known as 'smishing' and scam calls, called 'vishing', hit Irish phones. The number of people falling victim to such scams has also risen, by 6pc. The surge comes just as the phone industry is about to clamp down on scam texts in Ireland, with a new industry-wide, regulatory initiative set to mark unregistered calls as 'likely scam' when they arrive in Irish text message inboxes. AIB said that the top five phone scams are text message fraud, 'safe account' scams — where criminals pose as bank clerks — investment scams on websites, holiday scams and purchasing scams. 'Where customers are scammed, AIB deals sympathetically with them on a case-by-case basis,' said Mary McHale, AIB's head of financial crime. Research from Ireland's telecoms regulator, Comreg, found about 365,000 cases of fraud per year as a result of scam calls and texts in Ireland, with 89 million 'annoying or irritating' communications because of it. It also estimates that around 5,000 businesses per annum are the victim of fraud after receiving scam calls and texts and that the annual cost of scam texts is €115m each year, rising to €300m per year when scam calls are counted. Comreg says that it is still waiting for legislation from the government that's needed to apply SMS 'filter' technology that could help in reducing private SMS text scamming. However, more than 7,000 businesses and organisations that use mass-texting services have pre-registered with the telecoms regulator as part of a crackdown on SMS scam by Comreg. From July 3rd, companies that use mass-texting services and that haven't registered with the telecoms regulator will see their SMS texts to customers labelled as 'likely scam'. From October, such texts will be blocked altogether. The regulator's SMS Sender ID registry system is aimed at those who use 'Sender ID' to attach a name to a mobile number, such as Bank Of Ireland or Amazon or An Post. At present, scammers can fairly easily 'spoof' these names, which is why irish people get so many texts which appear to be from legitimate businesses and utilities but are not. In the worst cases, the spoofed SMS messages even appear in existing customer interaction conversations with the legitimate business. The new system is designed to eliminate this kind of 'spoofing', so that from October, Irish consumers won't receive fraudulent SMS text messages of this type. Comreg said that it is the mobile network operators that will ultimately block the texts, as they will have access to the register of legitimate Sender ID companies. Comreg says that any companies or organisations that haven't registered should do so now, to avoid their SMS messages being labelled or blocked. However, the new initiative won't apply to regular, private SMS numbers, meaning that a scammer who simply buys a sim card and sends out bulk SMS messages won't be affected. According to AIB's report, the following categories represent the top five phone-related scams. 1. Text Message Fraud 'Text message fraud, also known as SMS phishing or smishing, continues to be a major threat and the crime that's most commonly perpetrated by fraudsters. Scammers send convincing messages that appear to be from reputable sources, such as banks, delivery companies or Government agencies, tricking recipients into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Our advice is to never click a link in an unexpected text message or call the number provided. If in doubt contact the sender on a known and trusted number to verify its legitimacy. You should never provide log in details, security details such as one time passcodes, card reader codes or selfies.' 2. Safe Account Scams 'Safe account scams involve fraudsters posing as bank officials who call and inform victims that their accounts have been compromised. They then persuade victims to transfer their funds to a 'safe' account for protection, which is often their own account, and often in other financial institutions. The funds can then be moved onto a mule account. These safe accounts are, in fact, controlled by the scammers, resulting in the victims losing all transferred funds. We will never call you and ask you to move your money to a new account for safe keeping. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately.' 3. Investment Scams 'Investment scams have surged in 2025, with perpetrators offering lucrative returns on fake investment opportunities. These scams often target individuals seeking to grow their savings quickly, using convincing pitches and professional-looking websites. Victims invest substantial amounts of money, only to realise later that the promised returns are non-existent and their funds have been stolen. Always ask yourself, is this too good to be true?' 4. Holiday Scams 'As we come into peak travel season, we have also seen a rise in holiday scams. Scammers create fake travel websites and offers, luring victims with attractive deals on flights and accommodation. Once payments are made, victims discover that their bookings are fraudulent and their dream holidays are ruined. These scams not only cause financial loss but also lead to immense disappointment and frustration. Always book your holidays through reputable providers, research accommodation to ensure it actually exists and don't part with your money unless you are fully satisfied. These scams aren't just advertising foreign holidays, but Irish ones too.' 5. Purchase Scams 'Shopping online can be convenient, but it also comes with several risks. One of the main concerns is the possibility of encountering fraudulent websites or sellers who may take your money without delivering the promised goods. Additionally, there's the risk of your personal and financial information being stolen through phishing scams or insecure websites, leading to identity theft and financial loss. Another threat is the potential for receiving counterfeit or substandard products, which can be disappointing and harmful. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to shop from reputable websites, use secure payment methods, and stay vigilant for any signs of suspicious activity. Always ask yourself, is this price too good to be true?'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Asylum seeker, 34, died from stab wound to chest during violent incident on Dublin city street, inquest told
AN ASYLUM seeker died from a stab wound to the chest during a violent incident in Dublin city centre, an inquest heard today. Quham Babatunde - an ex-footballer who came originally from 2 Faith Akpobome gave evidence of formally identifying her friend's body to gardai Credit: The 34-year-old, who was living in an accommodation centre for international protection applicants in Ballyogan in south Dublin while his request for asylum was being processed, was rushed by ambulance to At the opening of an inquest into Mr Babatunde's death at Dublin District Coroner's Court, a friend of the deceased, Faith Akpobome, gave evidence of formally identifying his body to Ms Akpobome said she had known Mr Babatunde since May 2024 and had spoken to his uncle in Nigeria, Adeola Olayokun, to confirm that she could assist gardaí for the purpose of identifying his nephew's body. The inquest heard that fingerprint evidence was also used to confirm his identity with officials from Forensic Science Ireland matching the fingerprints of the deceased with those provided by Mr Babatunde to the International Protection Office when he was applying for READ MORE ON NEWS The coroner, Clare Keane, said the results of a postmortem conducted by State pathologist, Sally Anne Collis, showed Mr Babatunde died from a stab wound to the chest. Detective Inspector Katharina Joyce applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (2) of the Coroners Act on the basis that A total of nine individuals have already been arrested and charged in relation to the fatal incident as part of the investigation into Mr Babatunde's death. Ryan Ndede, 23, of Boroimhe Birches, Swords, Co most read in the irish sun David Oloo Omee, 19, of The Lawn, St Marnock's Bay, Dublin 13, is charged with engaging in violent disorder with others at Anne Street South and assault causing harm to Adetola Adetuilehim, a friend of the deceased. Rory Carr, 21, of Ard na Greine, Seapoint Lane, Balbriggan, is accused of assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde and Mr Adetuilehim on Anne Street South and Jeffrey Bangu, 21, of Cardy Rock Crescent, Balbriggan, is charged with assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde at Duke Lane and to Adetuilehim at Anne Street South. He is also accused of violent disorder and the production of a knife during the incident. Sean Forde, 23, of Bath Road, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, is charged with violent disorder at Anne Street South. John Eghomwanre, 23, of Dun Emer Glade, Lusk, Co. Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde on Anne Street South and Mr Adetuilehim at Duke Lane, as well as violent disorder. Bakuani Diavisi, 25, of Cardy Rock, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, is charged with assault causing harm to another named male at Dawson Street, Dublin 2, on the same date. Bruno Tache, 20, of Trimleston, Balbriggan, Co Dublin is charged with violent disorder and assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde and another man, Angel Ahgaria. Faraj Odukoya, 19, of Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan, Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde at Anne Street South and to Mr Adetuilehim at Duke Lane, and violent disorder. The coroner granted the application and adjourned the hearing of Mr Babatunde's inquest until a date to be fixed on conclusion of any related criminal proceedings. Dr Keane also offered her condolences to Mr Babatunde's family on what she described as his 'tragic death.' 2 Quham Babatunde, 34, who was stabbed to death in Dublin city centre Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Legendary Irish comic dies aged 93 after ‘generating laughter among thousands' through decades with sketches
TRIBUTES poured in for comic star of stage and screen Paschal O'Grady, one half of the legendary Irish comic duo, 'Tom and Pascal', who passed away Friday. Mr O'Grady, aged 93, from Ballinacurra in 2 Tom Donnell and Paschal O'Grady were legendary Irish comic duo Ireland's answer to the 1960s British comic stars 'Morecambe and Wise', Tom & Paschal's slap-stick act made them a household name, selling out shows including the Theatre Royal, Paschal's partner in comedy, Tom O'Donnell, also sadly passed away in February 2013. The pair, who also had a hit television sketch programme, may be best remembered for their hilarious portrayal of 'Kattie and Nonie', two The impact of television catapulted them from stage to screen, copper-fastening their names in the annals of Irish comedy gold. READ MORE ON TV Talking in an interview with I love Limerick last year, Paschal said: "Well, it (television) did a lot. But I think we missed a lot of opportunities, we should have pushed it more. "We travelled on our success rather than our potential. I still maintain we were the Morecambe and Wise of The Limerick duo performed their television debut on Last year, recalling their golden years together on stage and screen, Paschal offered advice to young people and others trying to make it big in show-business. most read in the irish sun He said: "Don't change, for Christ's sake, don't change. I mean, be human and just do what you feel like doing, so long as you're not injuring anybody or hurting anybody. "Everyone should be who they want to be." 'CONTINUED TO RAISE MANY LAUGHS' Paying tribute, Peter McNamara, Milford Entertainment Group stated: 'In more recent years Paschal and other volunteers of the entertainment group at the Milford Care Centre put on weekly "Here he continued to raise many laughs from residents with his own "His contribution to the entertainment and comedy performance sector, especially in the Limerick and Mid West region, down the years, was unique. "This continued right up to a couple of weeks ago when he was still entertaining the residents at Milford where he and his wife Marie, were dedicated volunteers for over twenty years." FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Pat O'Donovan, of the famous west Limerick traditional Irish music and storytelling venue, Rambling House, Knockfierna, stated: "Tom and Pascal were the leading comedians thru the 60s and never uttered an offence word while generating laughter among thousands. May Pascal rest in peace." Mr O'Grady's remains will repose at Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Co Limerick, from 5.30pm-7pm, this coming Tuesday. His funeral mass will take place at St Michael's Church of Ireland, Pery Square, Limerick City, at 11am, Wednesday, followed by burial in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery, Limerick. His obituary notice reads: "Thanks for the laughter." 2 Paschal O'Grady died peacefully at Milford Care Centre surrounded by his family Credit: Supplied by David Raleigh
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Everywhere I turn, he is there' – Bonnie Ryan reveals heartfelt way she honoured late dad Gerry on wedding day
BONNIE Ryan has revealed the touching way she honoured her late dad on her wedding day. The Irish influencer and her husband John Greenhalgh tied the knot at a quaint old St Augustine's church in the village of La Machi, 2 Bonnie and her husband John tied the knot back in 2022 2 The Dublin beauty has revealed the touching way she honoured her dad at her wedding Credit: Alamy However, Bonnie's late dad, broadcaster The beloved radio jock passed away on April 30, 2010, at the age of 53 . . Before her wedding, the READ MORE ON BONNIE RYAN She told "I don't want to put pressure on myself and I don't want to make a big deal out of it. I will definitely be doing something nice to toast to him on the day though." The radio star recently reflected on her wedding and revealed the special way she paid tribute to her dad. She told the most read in the irish sun "So that was a bit dangerous. We had the best night ever. And then we looked at the time and it was five o'clock in the morning." Bonnie recently opened up on her Lottie Ryan tears at father's 'legacy' on Late Late Show The influencer and her husband John moved to The 32-year-old didn't get to celebrate her wedding anniversary on the day as she had flown to Dublin to attend the Platinum VIP Awards with her mum Morah and her sisters Lottie and Babette. Speaking on the red carpet at the event, Bonnie told "So he flies into Dublin tomorrow. We're going to get to spend time then. Three years. Where's the time gone? It's actually, it's terrifying." 'BRILLIANT' However, Bonnie planned to mark the happy occasion with a family holiday. Bonnie's 2FM host sister Lottie, who "We're going on a big f***ing piss up in Italy and we're going to record an episode of the podcast there." Bonnie added: "We're going to record the podcast. We're going to drink loads of spritzes. Lottie joked: "We'll be locked with like Italian grannies speaking in broken English. It'll be brilliant." Bonnie replied: "I'm going to throw my hat in the ring and see if I can speak any Italian. So it's going to be great."
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I got the kick in the behind that I really needed' says RTE star Daithi as he loses over stone in weight loss journey
RTE star Daithi O Se has said he got the "kick in the behind" that he needed to lose wight. The Today host kick started the year with a new health routine and it definitely has paid off. 2 Daithi O Se has lost over one stone this year Credit: Domnick Walsh 2 Daithi and Maura are currently on summer break from Today Credit: RTE The Kerry native told RSVP: "I've been going to the gym since Christmas and I'm down over a stone. I sit in a car for four hours a day before sitting in a TV studio and going to bed, so I had to start moving. "I was getting to a stage where I had to start doing something and then I got into a really good routine. I only do about half an hour in the gym and then I sit in the sauna for 30 minutes afterwards. "I take a cold shower after that. I have gotten the kick in the behind that I really needed. read more on daithi o se "I don't kill myself. I do 10 minutes on the bike and then I do 15 of whatever is in front of me weights wise along with my stretches before the sauna. I'm in and out, washed, dried and cleaned, in an hour." Daithi has explained that getting older contributed to him wanting to be healthier. He said: "Well, I'm 49 this month and I'll be 50 next year, so that's on my mind. I know I need to mind myself. "I try it a few times a year, but this is the first time I've continued with it and I'm really enjoying it. I'm in a really good place." read more on the irish sun Daithi and his co-hosts and The presenters are currently on summer break after Daithi O Se reveals his love for the show as Rose of Tralee returns Maura got all dolled up for the occasion wearing a cream floral print shift dress with collar and button details and a belt cinched in at her waist. While Daithi looked dapper wearing a denim shirt, navy blazer and a pair of black trousers. At the beginning of the show, Daithi remarked: "Our final show of season 13, can you believe it?" OFF AIR The Galway native replied: "I can't believe it actually it has just flown in. I know we say this every year but this year has especially gone so fast." Daithi said: "I think this year and last year have gone so fast Maura. it might be also kind of..." Maura cut across him and said laughing: "It might be us ageing!" Daithi replied: "Well... getting up the ranks - I was going to say, but yeah. We've had so much fun." Maura added: "We have actually, it's been brilliant." At the end of the programme this evening, the pair took a few moments to thank their listeners. Daithi said: "Sin é."
