ScamWatch Ireland

You pay to join and earn by bringing others in behind you. The CCPC says it is illegal in Ireland to establish, operate, promote or knowingly take part in a pyramid scheme.

Cold callers claim to be from eir, asking about your download speed and modem details. The goal is remote access to your device or your card details. eir says it will never need either for a fault or repair.

Scammers call pretending to be Vodafone, offering a 40% loyalty discount, then ask you to share one-time verification codes to hijack your account.

Calls offering a rebate and texts or emails linking to a fake login page, using the ESB name. ESB Networks says it will never send a link to a login page, and it is not the company that bills you.

Texts claiming an unpaid M50 toll or a "radar ticket", linking to a copy of the eFlow payment page. eFlow says it does not send text messages with links to customers.

Fake SMS from An Post asking for a small fee to release a delivery, leading to a phishing site.

Phishing emails impersonating AIB claiming your account is locked due to suspicious activity.

Callers posing as your bank's fraud team send a courier or taxi to your door to collect your bank card, after asking for your PIN.

Criminals place fake QR code stickers on parking meters. Scanning them leads to fake payment sites that steal your card details.

Fake SMS or emails claiming your Amazon/eBay order is held at customs, asking for a "release fee" or card details.

Scammers sell fake event tickets online and vanish after receiving payment via Revolut or bank transfer.

Fake rental properties on Daft.ie, Facebook or Telegram with pressure to pay deposits before viewing.

Facebook/Instagram ads with AI-generated images claiming Irish shops are closing, selling items that never arrive.

Fake recruiters offering remote jobs, then requesting personal documents or processing fees.

Fake cryptocurrency or forex schemes promising guaranteed high returns with fake dashboards.

AI-generated adverts carrying fake video of well-known public figures promote a bogus state-backed savings scheme, then a callback "financial advisor" presses for an immediate security deposit.

WhatsApp messages pretending to be your child requesting urgent money, now with AI-generated voice notes.

Alarming texts claiming you have missed a court summons or are under investigation.

Fake Revenue emails or calls threatening legal action or audit unless you pay immediately.

Phishing emails claiming you're owed a tax refund, asking for banking details.

Fake virus warnings claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, urging you to call or click to "fix" your device.

Scammers pose as Eir or Vodafone engineers to gain access to your home, router, or personal data.

Missed calls from international numbers that charge premium rates when you call back.

Fake influencers request free products from Irish businesses, then disappear or demand customs fees.

publicjobs.ie says it never contacts candidates via WhatsApp, so a WhatsApp job offer in its name is a scam after your personal and financial details.

Criminals offer easy money to use your bank account to move stolen funds. You are not robbed here — you are recruited into money laundering.

Scammers build emotional relationships on dating apps before inventing crises requiring money.

Postal brochures impersonating Raisin Ireland offer savings rates far above anything regulated firms pay, urging transfers to accounts controlled by criminals. Raisin Ireland has confirmed the brochures are fraudulent.

The Central Bank of Ireland warns that a firm using the name "Bates Finance Limited" is not authorised in Ireland. It is a clone, mimicking a genuine authorised firm to sell bogus bonds, shares and fixed-return savings.

Texts posing as the HSE claim you owe an outstanding balance for medical services and link to a fake HSE payment portal. The HSE never requests payments by SMS.

Texts claim your medical card is expiring or suspended and that payment is needed to renew it. Medical cards are free, renewal is automatic for eligible people, and the HSE never requests payment by text.

WhatsApp calls displaying the An Garda Síochána crest claim your bank account is under investigation, to pressure you into handing over financial details. An Garda Síochána has confirmed Gardaí will never contact the public on WhatsApp to request bank details.

WhatsApp messages from official-sounding housing bodies offer a free home and ask you to register your personal details. The Department of Housing has confirmed no government scheme offers free housing via WhatsApp.