Protecting Yourself Against Scams
Scams can affect anyone. From fake text messages and emails to fraudulent phone calls and online scams, criminals are constantly finding new ways to target people.
Knowing what warning signs to look out for can help you stay one step ahead and reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Our Scam Awareness video series provides practical advice to help you stay informed, protect your personal information and make safer decisions when dealing with unexpected requests or offers. The series also helps you recognise common scam tactics and take steps to protect yourself from fraud.
Common signs of a Scam
While every scam is different, there are some common warning signs to look out for:
- Pressure to act quickly or make an immediate payment.
- Unexpected calls, emails or messages requesting personal information.
- Demands for payment by bank transfer or gift card.
- Offers that seem too good to be true.
- Suspicious websites, links or email addresses.
- Requests to keep conversations or transactions secret.
Taking a moment to pause, verify and think carefully before responding can help prevent costly mistakes.
General Scamming
Many scams begin online through websites, social media, emails or text messages designed to appear genuine. Fraudsters often use convincing language and branding to gain trust and encourage people to share sensitive information or make payments.
This video shares seven simple steps to help you spot potential fraud and stay safe online.
Transcript for video Seven simple steps to help you spot potential fraud and stay safe online
“Scams are becoming more sophisticated every day, and unfortunately, anyone can be caught off guard. Fraudsters often pretend to be trusted companies, delivery services, or insurance providers to gain access to your personal and financial information.
Unexpected calls, texts, or emails that create urgency are common scam tactics.
Here are our top 7 tips to stay safe online:
Number 1: Always double-check the sender’s details, and if something feels off, contact the company or bank directly using official contact details.
Number 2: Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders, as these can steal personal information or install harmful software.
Number 3: When shopping online, only use trusted websites with secure payment systems.
Number 4: Look for HTTPS and the padlock icon in the website address bar.
Number 5: Regularly check your bank and insurance statements, keep your devices updated, and use strong passwords.
Number 6: Be careful about what you share on social media too, as scammers can use personal information to target or impersonate people.
And number 7: Most importantly, if something seems suspicious, pause and verify. If you suspect you’re being scammed, report it to your financial service provider and your local Garda station as soon as possible.”
Bogus Traders
Most tradespeople are reputable and trustworthy, but unfortunately some individuals may attempt to take advantage of homeowners by offering unnecessary repairs or requesting payment upfront.
This type of fraud can be particularly common following storms or periods of severe weather when homeowners may be more vulnerable to unexpected repair needs. While scams continue to evolve, many share the same warning signs.
This video shares five practical tips on recognising scams and staying safe from bogus traders.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Transcript for video Five practical tips on recognising scams and staying safe from bogus traders
Most tradespeople are honest professionals, but unfortunately, bogus contractors do exist, and they often rely on pressure, urgency, and trust to catch people off guard.
These scams are especially common after storms, when unregistered tradespeople may call to your door offering quick repairs for damaged roofs, gutters, or driveways. In many cases, they take deposits and disappear before any work is completed.
Here are 5 tips to help you stay alert:
Number 1: Before hiring anyone, take a few minutes to do some checks. Look for a registered business, a website, customer reviews, or references.
Number 2: Ask for proof of insurance and any relevant certifications.
Number 3: Be cautious of anyone asking for large cash payments upfront or refusing to provide paperwork.
Number 4: Always get the work, timeline, and costs agreed in writing before the job begins.
And number 5: Never pay in full until the work is finished and you're satisfied with the result.
If something feels rushed, aggressive, or simply too good to be true, trust your instincts and walk away.
If you believe you may have been targeted by a scam:
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Contact your bank or financial provider immediately.
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Change passwords on any affected accounts.
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Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
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Report the incident to An Garda Síochána.
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Seek advice and support if personal information has been compromised.
Acting quickly may help minimise the impact of fraudulent activity.
Stay Scam Aware
Fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics, but awareness remains one of the best forms of protection. By staying informed and understanding common scam techniques, you can help protect yourself, your family and your finances.
Explore the videos above for practical advice on recognising scams and staying one step ahead of fraudsters.