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

💳 I was scammed online — who do I report it to?

Direct answer

Three things, in this order: (1) call your bank the moment you notice — a transfer can sometimes still be recalled within 24 hours, and a card payment charged back. (2) Report it to An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) so there is an official record; you need the reference number for your bank and insurer. (3) Tell FraudSMART (Banking & Payments Federation) (fraudsmart.ie) so the pattern gets flagged and others are warned. Keep every screenshot, the account number or IBAN you paid, and the seller's profile before you block them.

Call firstAn Garda Síochána
Report toFraudSMART (Banking & Payments Federation)
If that failsYour bank — fraud line

🗣️ What to say

"I paid €… on [date] to [IBAN / card / platform] for [what]. I now believe this was fraud: [why]. I want to recall or dispute the payment and I need a case reference for the police report."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Stop all contactDo not pay "release fees" or "taxes" to get money back — that is the second scam. Screenshot the ad, profile, chat and payment first, then block.
  2. Call your bankAsk for a SEPA recall (transfer) or a chargeback (card). The sooner, the better; after 24 hours a transfer is usually gone.
  3. Report to An Garda SíochánaOnline where possible. Keep the reference number — your bank, insurer and the platform will ask for it.
  4. Warn FraudSMART (Banking & Payments Federation)The national fraud point logs the seller, phone number and IBAN so the next person gets a warning.
  5. Tell the platformReport the account on the marketplace or app so it is removed. Some platforms have buyer protection if you paid through them.

📇 All contacts

An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud
FraudSMART (Banking & Payments Federation)Fraud awareness, what to do next, current scamsTo check the pattern and warn others🔗 www.fraudsmart.ie
Your bank — fraud lineRecall, chargeback, card blockImmediately after paying, 24/7🔗 www.bpfi.ie

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get my money back?

Sometimes. A card payment can be charged back for weeks; a bank transfer only if the money has not left the receiving account, which is why the first hour matters. Cash, crypto and gift cards are gone.

Is it worth reporting a small amount?

Yes. Scams are prosecuted on volume: your report links to hundreds of others with the same IBAN or number. The reference is also what your bank needs.

I gave them my ID or bank details — what now?

Tell your bank, change passwords, enable two-factor login, and report identity misuse to FraudSMART (Banking & Payments Federation). Watch your statements for months.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

  • “scammed online what to do Ireland”
  • “report fraud Ireland”
  • “get money back after scam”
  • “fake webshop report”
  • “marketplace scam police”

🧭 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

🔐Data misuse→🚚Parcel not delivered→🎯Phishing message→⚡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.