Protecting yourself from scams
How can you recognise and protect yourself from scams?
Scams are dishonest schemes designed to steal your money or sensitive details. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unexpected requests for personal or financial information, pressure to act quickly, tempting offers, suspicious links or attachments and unusual requests to transfer money or open new accounts.
Always stop and think before sharing details and check directly with your bank or the organisation using a verified contact method. If you believe you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately to ask about chargeback and report the incident to the Gardaí.
How do scams work?
A scam is when someone deliberately misleads you to take your money. Scammers target your bank account, card details, PIN number or other sensitive information. Much of our lives is online, and scammers use technology and social media to catch you off guard. It can be difficult to spot what’s genuine and what’s not.
What are the red flags of a scam?
Watch out for:
- Someone you don’t know contacting you out of the blue asking for personal or financial details
- Pressure to act quickly before it’s too late
- Tempting offers to claim a prize or make money
- Emails or text messages asking you to click on a link or attachment
- Requests to transfer money in an unusual way or open a new account
What are the golden rules for avoiding scams?
Stop
Do not give out your personal information if you’re unsure who you’re talking to. Scammers may pretend to be from banks, Revenue, the HSE, or energy providers. Whenever you get a message calling for immediate action, pause and look carefully.
Think
Ask yourself, could this contact be fake? Has your bank or energy provider contacted you like this before? If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t click on any link or attachment you’re uneasy about. Trust your instinct – if you feel uneasy, check first.
Check
If you’ve received a communication you’re uneasy about, contact your bank or the organisation directly using an official phone number or email address you trust and have verified independently. For example, call your bank using the number on the back of your bank card or on your bank statement.
What should you do if you get caught out by a scam?
If you believe that you’ve been scammed, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Ask them if you can get the payment reversed through a chargeback. They can advise you and place your account on hold. Your card may need to be cancelled until it is checked out.
You should also report it to the Gardaí immediately.
It’s important to keep a record of all transactions and details related to the scam, including dates, amounts, correspondence and any reference numbers. Do not delete any scam messages, emails or texts until you have reported the incident, as these may be needed by your bank or the Gardaí for investigation. This information will help your bank and the Gardaí investigate your case and may be needed if you make an official complaint.
