Scams and Fraud Protection in Ireland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Consumer fraud and scams are criminal offences in Ireland. Common types include:
- Phishing: Fake emails or texts pretending to be from banks, Revenue, or delivery companies to steal your personal data.
- Vishing: Phone scams where callers impersonate banks, Gardaí, or utilities.
- Smishing: SMS/text message scams with malicious links.
- Investment fraud: Bogus investment schemes promising unrealistic returns.
- Identity theft: Using your personal information to open accounts or commit fraud.
Under PSD2, your bank must refund unauthorised transactions on your account unless you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence.
When does it apply?
- You have been the victim of a scam or fraud — whether you lost money, had your identity stolen, or were tricked into sharing personal data.
- The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 covers theft, fraud, making false instruments, and handling stolen property.
- If you are a victim of authorised push payment (APP) fraud (you were tricked into transferring money), recovery is harder — but your bank should still investigate.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed or Defrauded in Ireland
- Contact your bank immediately if you think your account has been compromised — they can freeze transactions.
- Report to the Gardaí — fraud is a criminal offence. Get a crime reference number.
- Report online scams to the CCPC and to FraudSMART (a fraud awareness initiative by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland).
- If your identity has been stolen, contact the Data Protection Commission and check your credit report with the Central Credit Register (through your bank).
- For investment fraud, report to the Central Bank of Ireland — check if the firm is regulated at centralbank.ie.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't click on links in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look official.
- Don't share PINs, passwords, or one-time codes — your bank will never ask for these by phone, text, or email.
- Don't be embarrassed to report — scams are increasingly sophisticated and can happen to anyone.
Common Questions
What should I do first if I have been scammed in Ireland?
Contact your bank immediately — they can freeze transactions if your account has been compromised. Then report the fraud to the Gardaí and get a crime reference number. Fraud is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Also report online scams to the CCPC and to FraudSMART.
Will my bank refund me if I was scammed in Ireland?
Under PSD2, your bank must refund unauthorised transactions unless you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence. If you were tricked into transferring money yourself (authorised push payment fraud), recovery is harder — but your bank should still investigate. Never share PINs, passwords, or one-time codes, as your bank will never ask for these.
How do I check if an investment offer is legitimate in Ireland?
Check if the firm is regulated on the Central Bank of Ireland website at centralbank.ie. Report suspected investment fraud to the Central Bank. Be wary of unrealistic promised returns. If your identity has been stolen, contact the Data Protection Commission and check your credit report with the Central Credit Register through your bank.
When does it apply — scams and fraud protection?
You have been the victim of a scam or fraud — whether you lost money, had your identity stolen, or were tricked into sharing personal data.The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 covers theft, fraud, making false instruments, and handling stolen property.If you are a victim of authorised push payment (APP) fraud (you were tricked into transferring money), recovery is harder — but your bank should still investigate.
What should I do if I have fallen victim to a scam in Ireland?
Contact your bank immediately if you think your account has been compromised — they can freeze transactions.Report to the Gardaí — fraud is a criminal offence. Get a crime reference number.Report online scams to the CCPC and to FraudSMART (a fraud awareness initiative by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland).If your identity has been stolen, contact the Data Protection Commission and check your credit report with the Central Credit Register (through your bank).For investment fraud, report to the Central Bank of Ireland — check if the firm is regulated at centralbank.ie.
What should you NOT do — scams and fraud protection?
Don't click on links in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look official.Don't share PINs, passwords, or one-time codes — your bank will never ask for these by phone, text, or email.Don't be embarrassed to report — scams are increasingly sophisticated and can happen to anyone.