--- title: "Scams in Ireland: latest scams and where to report" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-ireland source: TapSafely description: "The scams hitting people in Ireland most, official figures, who scammers pretend to be, and where to report a scam." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scams by country](https://tapsafely.com/scams-by-country)/ Ireland Scams by country # Scams in Ireland: what to watch for right now A plain summary of the scams official agencies in Ireland warn about most, with the latest published figures and the fastest way to get help. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## The numbers Irish payment service providers recorded €179.04 million in fraudulent payments in 2025, up 27.2% from €140.80 million in 2024. [Central Bank of Ireland](https://www.centralbank.ie/statistics/data-and-analysis/payment-fraud-statistics) More than one in three Irish adults (35%) have experienced fraud or scams, and 38% of victims never reported it, according to research published in April 2026. [Central Bank of Ireland](https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/new-central-bank-research-reveals-one-in-three-irish-adults-have-experienced-fraud--yet-38--never-report-it) Garda provisional crime statistics show fraud offences rose 137% in 2025 compared with 2024. [An Garda Síochána](https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/press-releases/2026/february/an-garda-siochana-provisional-crime-statistics-year-end-2025.html) ## Scams to watch for in Ireland Common in Ireland ### Online shopping scams Central Bank of Ireland research published in 2026 found online purchase scams were the most common fraud, affecting 48% of victims. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-online-shops) Common in Ireland ### Investment scams Gardaí recorded €30,984,994 in investment fraud losses in 2024 and warn about fake ads and websites that copy real institutions. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/crypto-investment-scams) Common in Ireland ### Fake delivery texts Central Bank of Ireland research found 15% of fraud victims were targeted by delivery service impersonation. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-delivery-texts) Common in Ireland ### Phishing emails and texts Central Bank of Ireland research found 13% of fraud victims were hit by phishing or email scams, and Gardaí warn about smishing texts. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links) Common in Ireland ### Fake Revenue tax refund messages Revenue warns that fake emails, texts and calls claim you are due a tax refund or must pay a tax bill immediately. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages) Common in Ireland ### Fake job offers Gardaí warn about fake social media job postings that ask for upfront payments or access to your bank account. [How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams) ## Who scammers pretend to be Banks · Revenue · Delivery companies · Electricity and gas suppliers · Family members Never trust a call, text or email just because it uses one of these names. Contact the organisation using details you find yourself. ## If you've been scammed in Ireland 1. Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to limit your losses. 2. Report the fraud to your local Garda station, or call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. 3. If a fake Revenue message tricked you, reset your password and contact your bank, and only use revenue.ie or MyEnquiries to deal with Revenue. 4. Before investing, check the firm on the Central Bank of Ireland register at registers.centralbank.ie. ## Where to report a scam in Ireland - [Report scams and fraud at your local Garda station](https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/cyber-crime/i-ve-been-caught-out-by-an-online-scam-what-should-i-do-.html) - [Scam calls or texts: ask your phone provider to block the number](https://www.comreg.ie/advice-information/scam-calls/) Reviewed 2026-09-16. Services change, so check the official site if a link doesn't work. ## Scam Weather for Ireland Loading… ### Got a suspicious message? Check it free. It works in any language. [Check a message](https://tapsafely.com/#check) ## Questions What are the most common scams in Ireland? According to official sources: Online shopping scams, Investment scams, Fake delivery texts, Phishing emails and texts, Fake Revenue tax refund messages, Fake job offers. What should I do first if I've been scammed in Ireland? Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to limit your losses. Report the fraud to your local Garda station, or call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Who do scammers pretend to be in Ireland? Official warnings mention Banks, Revenue, Delivery companies, Electricity and gas suppliers, Family members. ## Official sources and further reading Figures and warnings on this page come from these official sources. - [Payment Fraud Statistics](https://www.centralbank.ie/statistics/data-and-analysis/payment-fraud-statistics) (Central Bank of Ireland) - [New Central Bank research reveals one in three Irish adults have experienced fraud, yet 38% never report it](https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/new-central-bank-research-reveals-one-in-three-irish-adults-have-experienced-fraud--yet-38--never-report-it) (Central Bank of Ireland) - [GNECB advises the public to be extra vigilant of fraud when investing](https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/press-releases/2025/october/gnecb-an-garda-siochana-advises-the-public-to-be-extra-vigilant-of-fraud-when-investing.html) (An Garda Síochána) - [Fraudulent emails, SMS (text messages) and phone calls](https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/fraudulent-emails/index.aspx) (Revenue)