TapSafely

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 teamUpdated

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

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

Garda provisional crime statistics show fraud offences rose 137% in 2025 compared with 2024.

An Garda Síochána

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
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
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
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
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
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

Who scammers pretend to be

BanksRevenueDelivery companiesElectricity and gas suppliersFamily 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

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

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.