Latest Scam Warnings in Ireland: How to Stay Safe

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. In Ireland, fraud cases have been rising, with criminals using phone calls, emails, and text messages to deceive unsuspecting victims.

This article highlights the latest scam warnings in Ireland, how to recognize them, and where to report suspicious activity.

1. Common Scam Tactics Targeting Irish Residents

Scammers use various tricks to steal money or personal details. Some of the most common scams in Ireland include:

  • Phishing Emails & Texts – Messages pretending to be from banks, Revenue, or delivery companies, asking for personal details.
  • Phone Call Scams – Fraudsters posing as Gardaí, financial institutions, or tech support demanding payment or access to your computer.
  • Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams – Fake investment opportunities promising quick and high returns.
  • Social Media & Online Marketplace Scams – Fraudulent sellers on Facebook Marketplace or DoneDeal taking money but never delivering the product.
  • Romance Scams – Online fraudsters gaining trust over time and then asking for money.

2. Latest Scam Alerts in Ireland

A. Fake Gardaí & Revenue Calls

Criminals are making phone calls pretending to be from An Garda Síochána or the Irish Revenue. They claim you owe money or are under investigation and demand immediate payment.

Warning Signs:

  • The caller creates a sense of urgency or threatens legal action.
  • They request payment via bank transfer, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
  • They ask for personal details like PPS numbers or bank account information.

➡ What to Do:

  • Hang up immediately and call your local Garda station.
  • Do not provide any personal or banking details over the phone.
  • Check the official Revenue website (www.revenue.ie) for any genuine tax-related issues.

B. Fake Bank Fraud Calls & Texts

Many people in Ireland are receiving scam text messages pretending to be from major banks like AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Revolut. These messages often say:

  • “Unusual activity detected on your account. Click here to secure your account.”
  • “Your account has been locked. Verify your identity now.”

Clicking the link takes you to a fake banking website designed to steal your login credentials.

Warning Signs:

  • The text contains urgent language, pushing you to act immediately.
  • The link is slightly misspelled or doesn’t match the bank’s official website.
  • The phone number is not the usual bank contact number.

➡ What to Do:

  • Never click on suspicious links.
  • Contact your bank directly using their official phone number.
  • Report the scam to www.fraudsmart.ie, a fraud prevention website by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.

C. Fake Delivery Scams (An Post & Courier Scams)

Scammers are sending fake text messages pretending to be from An Post, DPD, or DHL, asking recipients to pay a small customs fee.

Warning Signs:

  • The message contains a random tracking number you don’t recognize.
  • It asks for a small payment upfront, which can lead to bigger charges later.
  • The link does not direct you to an official courier website.

➡ What to Do:

  • Verify any delivery fees directly with the courier service’s official website.
  • Report fake delivery texts to An Post via www.anpost.com.

D. Social Media & Online Marketplace Scams

Fake sellers are becoming more common on Facebook Marketplace, DoneDeal, and Adverts.ie. They list products at a low price, ask for payment upfront, and then disappear.

Warning Signs:

  • The seller pressures you to send money before seeing the product.
  • They refuse to meet in person or offer excuses about shipping delays.
  • Payment is requested through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards.

➡ What to Do:

  • Only buy from verified sellers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
  • Meet in public places when making transactions.
  • Use secure payment methods like PayPal’s buyer protection or Revolut’s payment request.

E. Fake Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams

Scammers are promoting fake investments on social media, claiming to offer huge returns with little risk. Victims are tricked into sending money, only to lose everything.

Warning Signs:

  • Promises of high returns with no risk.
  • Pressure to invest quickly before an exclusive offer expires.
  • Fake testimonials and celebrity endorsements.

➡ What to Do:

  • Check if the investment company is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland (www.centralbank.ie).
  • Never invest in anything you don’t fully understand.
  • Report investment fraud to Gardaí or Scamwatch Ireland.

3. How to Report Scams in Ireland

If you suspect a scam, you can report it to official Irish authorities:

  • An Garda Síochána – Report scams to your local Garda station or call 1800 666 111. Visit www.garda.ie for fraud prevention tips.
  • FraudSMART Ireland – A fraud awareness initiative by Irish banks. Visit www.fraudsmart.ie for scam alerts.
  • Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) – Report consumer scams at www.ccpc.ie.
  • Central Bank of Ireland – If you suspect an investment scam, visit www.centralbank.ie.

4. Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself from Scams

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, making it essential for Irish residents to stay informed. By recognizing the warning signs, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting fraud, you can protect yourself and others.

If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text, always verify with the official organization before taking any action. Stay safe, stay aware, and help spread the word about the latest scam warnings in Ireland.