Investment scams

Check that the firm is authorised by the Central Bank

As a first step, before you seek investment or any other financial advice, always check that the financial services firm or person is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. You can check this on the Central Bank Registers by typing in the name of the firm/person.

Check if a warning has been issued about the investment firm

The Central Bank of Ireland regularly issues warning notices which publish the names of firms not authorised to provide investment advice. Click here for the most up-to-date list.

What to do if you think you have invested money with an unauthorised investment firm

If you invest your money with an unauthorised investment firm, your funds may be at risk, and you will not have access to compensation under the Investor Compensation Scheme or the services of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman. You should immediately contact the Central Bank of Ireland to report the firm and the Gardaí.

For more information on common scams, how to protect yourself from financial scams and what to do if you have been a victim of a scam, read the Central Bank of Ireland’s guide on avoiding scams and unauthorised activity.

Last updated on 15 September 2021