Scam Ads Info Hub
There is growing concern across Ireland about the rise in scams and online fraud, including scam advertisements. They can target anyone and are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making them harder to spot.
Scam ads are commonly used to steal money, personal information, or access to online accounts. They may promote fake investments, impersonate well-known Irish companies or government bodies, offer deals that seem too good to be true, or pressure you into acting quickly.
It’s important to remember that the people and organisations behind scams are professional fraudsters/criminals that use all sorts of tricks, including behavioural psychology, to lure people into their scam and that anyone can fall victim.
Being aware of how these scams work is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others. Knowing where and how to report scam ads also helps authorities and platforms take action and prevent further harm.
Some Ways to Spot Scams
Impersonation of trusted organisations
Ads pretending to be from Irish banks, An Garda Síochána, Revenue, newspapers, delivery companies, or well-known brands.
Impersonation of well-known figures
Content that looks like a genuine interview with a celebrity or politician with headlines like “You won’t believe how X made thousands of Euro”.
Urgent or threatening language
Messages that pressure you to act immediately, claim your account will be closed, or say you’ll face legal trouble if you don’t respond.
Requests for personal or financial information
Legitimate companies will not ask for passwords, PINs, or full card details through ads or messages.
Poor spelling, grammar, or strange web addresses
Many scam ads contain small errors or link to websites that closely mimic real ones but use slightly altered URLs.
Payment requests via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers
These methods are commonly used by scammers and are difficult to trace or recover.
Promises that sound too good to be true
Guaranteed investment returns, unrealistically cheap products, or prizes you didn’t enter to win.
Helpful Resources
These are some of the resources available to help learn how we can protect ourselves from falling victim to scams.
Central Bank of Ireland’s Registers
Individual registers for all financial service providers and collective investment schemes (CIS) regulated by Central Bank of Ireland. It also includes details of other types of financial service providers that are not regulated. More Info.
The Central Bank also publishes warning notices on Unauthorised Firms which can be viewed here.
The Central Bank publishes information on its website about how to spot various types of financial services scams. More info.
Citizens Information
Citizens Information has information on the different types of scams, how to recognise them and helpful tips and tools on how to protect yourself. More Info.
Citizensinformation.ie has an AI-powered tool to assist users in finding the correct information. You may find it useful when looking for further information on scams and misleading ads. AskCI can be accessed here.
Coimisiún na Meán
Coimisiún na Meán is the media regulator with responsibility for enforcing Ireland’s Online Safety Framework. These rules put obligations on online platforms to reduce harmful and illegal content that users might see online. Scams and fraud are illegal and such posts or ads should always be reported to the platform where you see them first. For information on how to report, check these handy guides. If platforms don’t take steps once this has been reported to them, contact Coimisiún na Meán.
Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
The CCPC provide practical tips and resources to keep your digital life secure.
You can find more information on their website by clicking here
Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
ComReg has tips to help you Stay Scam Safe – how to identify and avoid scam calls and texts, and what to do if you fall victim to a scam.
There is information on best practice for businesses to help protect their customers from scam calls and texts.
FraudSMART
FraudSMART is a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). The programme aims to raise consumer and business awareness of the latest financial fraud activity and trends and provide simple and impartial advice on how best they can protect themselves and their resources.
FraudSMART also have a tool where you can check if a website or link is legit, you can find it here.
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau
Irish Internet Hotline
Irish Internet Hotline is the Irish national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously, and confidentially report concerns in respect of illegal content online, including financial scams. More info.
Ways to report online scams in Ireland
Financial or Personal Details
An Garda Síochána
If you have been a victim of fraud, for example, financial loss, personal details stolen etc., you should contact your local garda station as soon as possible.
Social Media & Search Engines
Directly to the platform
If you see a scam ad on a social media platform, you can use the ‘report ad’ or ‘hide ad’ feature to report the ad directly to the platform.
Financial Services Scam Ads
Central Bank of Ireland
If you believe you have been a victim of a financial scam or have been in contact with an unauthorised financial service provider, you can report it here. More info here.
Banking Information
Your Bank
If you have shared your financial details, contact your bank to freeze your cards – or to carry out a chargeback. If money has already been taken from your accounts, you should contact An Garda Síochána.
General Scam Ads
Advertising Standards Authority
You can also report online scam ads on our website using our online form. We will send the information to the appropriate platform to remove the content.
Financial Scams
Report on content that is purporting to be Irish financial services or have Irish contact details or appears to have originated from Ireland.
Depending on the type of scam, it may be possible to report to more than one organisation.