Fraudulent ads are increasingly common and increasingly convincing. Criminals pay to place ads on social media, search engines, and websites, often impersonating well-known brands, financial institutions, or celebrities, to trick you into handing over money or personal details.
These ads can appear anywhere: in your social media feed, at the top of search results, in your email, or even in print.
Investment scams: Ads promoting high returns on investments, cryptocurrency, or foreign exchange, often using images of celebrities or well-known figures without their consent to appear credible. If you invest, the money is gone.
Clone firm fraud: Ads that impersonate real, regulated financial firms using near-identical names, logos, and websites. Always verify a firm is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland before investing, check the register at centralbank.ie.
Free trial traps: An ad offers a free product with just a small shipping fee. By entering your card details, you unknowingly sign up for a recurring monthly charge that can be difficult to cancel. Always read the terms and conditions before entering your card details anywhere.
Fake loan companies: Ads offering fast loans with no credit checks, often requiring an upfront fee before the funds are released. Legitimate lenders will never ask for payment upfront. Verify any lender is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland before proceeding.
Fake competitions and giveaways: Ads claiming you've won a prize that require you to pay a fee or provide your card details to claim it. If you didn't enter a competition, you haven't won it.
If you have been a victim of fraud or wish to report fraudulent activity, call our Fraud Department on +353 (1) 669 5851. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Not sure what to do next? Follow our step-by-step guide to freezing your card, changing your password, reporting to the Gardai, and protecting yourself going forward.
