What should I do if I become a victim of fraud in Ireland?

Fraud is a growing problem in Ireland. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), over 5,400 incidents of “offences against property by deception” were recorded in 2023, with losses estimated at more than €35 million. From online shopping scams and phishing emails to investment fraud and identity theft, fraudsters constantly devise new methods to exploit individuals and businesses. If you find yourself the target of a scam, acting quickly and methodically will help you contain your losses, assist law enforcement, and protect your future finances.

1. Stop all contact with the fraudster
   • Immediately cease any call, email or chat with the person or organisation defrauding you.
   • Do not send any further money, click links or provide additional personal details.
   • Block their phone number, email address and any social‑media profile.

2. Secure and preserve evidence
   • Save every piece of correspondence: emails, text or WhatsApp messages, chat logs.
   • Take screen‑shots of websites, invoices, payment confirmations or fake documents.
   • Note dates, times, amounts, bank account or IBAN numbers and transaction references.
   • Keep a simple timeline of what happened and when.

3. Report to the Garda Síochána
   • File a report at your local Garda station or online via https://www.garda.ie/operations‑services/policereports/ .
   • Ask for a Garda “Event Number” or crime reference, which you will need for your bank and any future claim.
   • If the loss is large or part of a sophisticated scheme, your report may be escalated to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

4. Notify your bank or financial institution
   • Contact your bank without delay—banks usually have a 24‑hour fraud hotline.
   • Request a freeze on your account or cancellation of compromised cards.
   • Where payments were made by debit or credit card, ask about a “chargeback” under the Consumer Protection Code.
   • If you were tricked into authorising a payment (an Authorised Push Payment scam), provide full details so your bank can invoke any available reimbursement scheme.

5. Alert credit reference and fraud‑monitoring services
   • Contact the Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) and Equifax Ireland to place a protective alert on your file.
   • For identity theft, register with a credit‑monitoring service or the Garda Central Vetting Unit to ensure new accounts cannot be opened in your name.

6. Report data breaches and identity misuse
   • If your personal data (e‑mail, PPS number, passport) has been misused, complain to the Data Protection Commission via https://www.dataprotection.ie/ .
   • The DPC enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and can investigate organisations that processed your data unlawfully.

7. Inform the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
   • If you purchased goods or services that turned out to be fake or never delivered, lodge a complaint at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/ .
   • The CCPC can mediate disputes with traders and, where necessary, refer matters to Trading Standards officers.

8. Seek advice from Citizens Information
   • Citizens Information (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/) provides free, impartial guidance on rights, complaint procedures, and support services.
   • They can guide you through small‑claims court for disputed losses under €2,000 and explain legal aid eligibility for more complex cases.

9. Consider civil proceedings
   • If you know the identity of the fraudster or the company involved, you may bring a civil lawsuit for recovery of losses.
   • Small Claims Court handles claims up to €2,000 with minimal court fees; Higher Court claims require a solicitor but cover greater amounts.
   • You can also seek damages for consequential losses (e.g., missed payments, stress) if supported by evidence.

10. Report to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)
   • If a regulated financial firm (bank, insurer, pension provider) failed to protect you or resolve your complaint, submit a dispute to the FSPO at https://www.fspo.ie/ .
   • The FSPO can award compensation for financial loss and distress up to €250,000.

11. Monitor your accounts and credit score
   • Check your bank and credit‑card statements weekly for unfamiliar activity.
   • Obtain an annual free credit report from ICB or Equifax and consider paid monitoring for real‑time alerts.
   • Report any new suspicious entries immediately.

12. Understand common fraud types in Ireland
   – Online purchase scams: fake listings on Adverts.ie or DoneDeal.ie
   – Investment fraud: “guaranteed” returns on foreign exchange or cryptocurrency
   – Romance scams: emotional manipulation to extract money
   – Lottery/Inheritance scams: requests for small “administration” fees to release large sums
   – Business Email Compromise: falsified invoices sent to companies
   According to the Garda Annual Report 2023, online shopping fraud rose by 22 %, while romance and inheritance scams increased by 15 %.

13. Prevent future scams
   • Use unique, complex passwords and a password manager.
   • Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on email, banking and social media.
   • Verify identities before sending money: look up charities on the Charities Regulator’s register (https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/) or confirm trades via official company details on https://www.cro.ie/ .
   • Check for secure website indicators: HTTPS and valid SSL certificates.
   • Keep devices updated with the latest antivirus and operating‑system patches.

14. Seek emotional support
   • Victim Support at https://www.victimsupport.ie/ offers confidential counselling and practical help for crime victims.
   • Speak with family, friends or a mental‑health professional if you experience anxiety or distress.

15. Stay informed of emerging scams
   • Follow the Garda, CCPC and FSPO on social media for real‑time alerts.
   • Subscribe to the National Cyber Security Centre’s advice at https://www.ncsc.gov.ie/ for cybersecurity best practices.

Conclusion
Fraud can cause significant financial, emotional and reputational damage. In Ireland, you have a robust framework—Garda Síochána, GNECB, financial regulators, consumer‑protection bodies and data‑protection authorities—all ready to assist. By following these steps swiftly—cutting off contact, preserving evidence, reporting to the right agencies, involving your bank, and seeking legal or emotional support—you maximise your chances of recovery and help prevent future crimes. Stay vigilant, protect your data, and know that help is only a click or call away.