The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has created the Scam Ads Info Hub to help consumers identify scam advertisements and understand where they can report them.

The hub provides guidance on common characteristics of scam advertisements and outlines reporting options available to consumers in Ireland. Depending on the nature of the issue, users are directed to the relevant organisation, including An Garda Síochána, financial institutions, online platforms, the Central Bank, Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the ASA.

The resource highlights some of the common tactics used in scam advertisements, including the impersonation of trusted organisations or well-known people, urgent or threatening messages, requests for personal or financial information, suspicious website addresses and unrealistic offers or investment opportunities.

The hub has been created to make it easier for consumers to identify the most appropriate reporting route based on the nature of a scam. It also provides information on the steps consumers can take if they believe they have engaged with a scam advertisement or shared personal or financial information.

Consumers who encounter scam advertisements online can also report them to the ASA. Where appropriate, the ASA will raise concerns with relevant advertising platforms to support efforts to have scam advertising content reviewed and removed.

Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said:

“Scam advertisements are an issue that can affect anyone and can appear across a wide range of online platforms. One of the challenges consumers can face is knowing where to report a scam when they see one.

We’ve set up the Scam Ads Info Hub as a source of practical information on how to identify common warning signs and to signpost consumers to the organisations best placed to deal with different types of scams. By bringing this information together in one place, we hope to make it easier for consumers to access the guidance and reporting channels they may need.“

Visit the Scam Ads Info Hub to learn more.