WITH fraud offences up by a sobering 40 per cent last year, a local TD is inviting people to take part in her party’s all-Ireland survey on fraud to share their experiences of online scams.
“The survey, which is available at the link below, asks members of the public about their experiences of fraud, in order to inform policy proposals to better support victims,” said Deputy Patricia Ryan TD for Kildare South, and her party’s spokesperson on the elderly.
“The increase in elaborate fraud and scams over the past year is deeply worrying, and there is serious evidence online fraud is rising during the pandemic, having already been on an upward trend,” she said.
“The number of fraud offences reported has increased nationally by 40% in the last year,” she confirmed.
“Consumers must be protected when they shop online, to ensure that they do not fall victim to what are often very sophisticated scams.
“A number of people, particularly those that are older and vulnerable, have been targeted by scammers and have been robbed of thousands of euros.
“Our survey will help to focus attention on this vital area and I urge those affected in Kildare South to participate. Take the survey and make your voice heard about what needs to change,
“This survey can help establish what is needed to help tackle fraud and keep our communities safe.”
Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5KQ3DP5
