← FFCheckWho do I contact?EN
Money · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🎯 I got a fake bank or payment message and clicked — who do I call?

Direct answer

If you typed anything in — a code, a password, a card number — call Your bank — card and payment line now: they can block the card, freeze the account and stop a transfer that is still pending. Then report it to An Garda Síochána — Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (999) so the sender and the site are taken down and the pattern is logged. If money actually left, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) (01 567 7000) files the crime report the bank will ask for. Do not reply to the message, do not call any number inside it, and keep it — the headers and the link are evidence.

Call firstYour bank — card and payment line
Report toAn Garda Síochána — Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau
If that failsFinancial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

🗣️ What to say

"I received a message pretending to be from you at [time] and I entered [what: code / password / card details] on [site]. Please block my card and access now, check for pending transfers and tell me the case number."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Stop the bleedingCall the bank on the number on your card, not the one in the message. Block the card, change the online-banking password from another device, revoke any new device or payee that was added.
  2. Recall what is pendingInstant transfers are usually final; ordinary transfers and card payments can often still be stopped or charged back if you call within hours.
  3. Report it to An Garda Síochána — Garda National Cyber Crime BureauForward the message with headers or the SMS screenshot. This is what gets the domain and the number blocked for everyone else.
  4. Crime report at Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)If money was taken or your identity was used. The case number is what the bank and any insurer will ask for.
  5. Watch the next weeksScammers come back as "the fraud department" to "help you recover" the money. Nobody legitimate asks you to move money to a safe account.

📇 All contacts

Your bank — card and payment lineRecall a transfer, chargeback, block a card, freeze the accountImmediately, 24/7 — the number is on the back of your card
An Garda Síochána — Garda National Cyber Crime BureauOnline fraud and cybercrime reporting via any Garda stationFor online scams and phishing📞 999🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/cyber-crime
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)Free, binding complaints against banks, lenders and insurersAfter a final response from the provider, or 40 working days📞 01 567 7000🔗 www.fspo.ie
CCPC — Competition and Consumer Protection CommissionConsumer helpline, your rights, complaint guidanceWhen the shop refuses📞 01 402 5555🔗 www.ccpc.ie
Central Bank of Ireland — consumer protectionSupervises financial firms; warning list of unauthorised firmsUnauthorised firms, systematic misconduct📞 0818 681 681🔗 www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub

❓ Frequently asked

I only clicked the link, entered nothing

Then you are probably fine. Update the phone, run a scan if it is a computer, change the password of the account the message imitated, and report the message anyway.

Will the bank refund me?

For unauthorised card payments and transfers you did not make, yes, minus a small excess unless you were grossly negligent. For a transfer you approved yourself under deception it depends on the bank and the country — ask in writing and escalate to An Garda Síochána — Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau or the financial ombudsman if refused.

The message came from the bank's real number

Sender numbers and names can be spoofed. A real bank never asks for a full code, password or to move money. When in doubt, hang up and call the number on the card.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “fake bank text clicked link what to do Ireland”
  • “report phishing Ireland”
  • “bank sms scam code entered”
  • “payment app phishing refund”
  • “smishing report Ireland”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

💳Scammed online→🆔Identity theft→📲Family emergency scam→⚡Energy bill dispute→

Your tools for Ireland

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · IrelandElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Ireland, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.