Scam Watch Ireland

Scam Watch Ireland

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Your guide against scams in Ireland. Stay informed, stay secure!

31/08/2024

⚠️ WATCH OUT FOR OASIS TICKET SCAMS ⚠️

This morning, many people across Ireland were disappointed when they couldn’t secure tickets to see Oasis next year. Unfortunately, this situation creates the perfect opportunity for scammers to take advantage.

🎟️ Here’s How the Scam Works:

While some hopeful fans were still waiting in Ticketmaster’s virtual queue, scammers had already set up groups on social media, offering “Oasis tickets” for sale.

• Profiles Appear Legitimate: When you click on their profiles, everything looks normal—no red flags. The profiles are a few years old, with regularly updated photos, and posts that seem to have genuine engagement.

• The Offer: You decide to message them about the tickets. They respond, saying they can’t attend the concert and are selling the tickets at face value. They even offer to transfer the tickets to you through Ticketmaster.

• Proving They’re “Real”: Knowing scammers are out there, you ask for proof. They’re happy to oblige, sending screenshots from Ticketmaster and even a photo of their ID.

• The Transfer: They say they’ll transfer the tickets to you before you send them money—this sounds safe, so you agree. You give them your Ticketmaster email, and they tell you to wait for a confirmation email.

• The Fake Email: An email arrives that looks like it’s from Ticketmaster, using the same layout and design. It tells you that the tickets are on their way, but you need to pay a “ticket transfer fee.” So, you pay.

• The Disappearance: Then, you wait…but the tickets never arrive. When you try to contact the seller, their profile has disappeared.

❌ The Reality:
You’ve been scammed. There were no tickets. The email you received was fake, sent by the scammer. The “transfer fee” was their real target, not the ticket money. The Facebook profile was hacked, and the ID photo was stolen from a previous victim. Unfortunately, the scammer is likely overseas, making it almost impossible to report.

🔴 Key Takeaway: Almost every single one of these ticket offers on Facebook is fake—I’m talking 99.99% of them.

🚫 DO NOT BUY TICKETS ON FACEBOOK.

Stay tuned—I’ll be engaging with a few of these scammers over the next few days and will post screenshots here, so you can see how these scams typically unfold. Keep an eye out!

23/08/2024

🚨 Beware of Recovery Scams 🚨

Today we’d like to talk to you about a particularly cruel type of scam targeting those who have already been victims of fraud. These are known as "recovery scams."

📉 How the Scam Works:

The Setup: After losing money to a scam, you may be contacted by someone claiming to be from a recovery service, law enforcement, or even the original company where the fraud took place.

The Promise: They claim they can help you recover your lost money—for a fee. They might say they need payment upfront for legal fees, taxes, or other expenses.

The Reality: Once you pay, the scammers disappear, leaving you with an even bigger loss.

💡 Key Red Flags:
🕵️ Unsolicited offers of help to recover lost money.
💰 Requests for upfront payment or fees before any "recovery" work begins.
🗣️ High-pressure tactics, urging you to act quickly.

⚠️ Important to Know: Unfortunately, once money is sent to a scammer, it’s lost and cannot be recovered, no matter what anyone tells you. These recovery scams are just another attempt to exploit you further.

🔍 How to Protect Yourself:
❌ Never trust unsolicited offers to recover money lost in a scam.
🚫 Don’t provide personal information or payment to anyone claiming they can recover your funds.
🕵️ Verify the authenticity of anyone contacting you by reaching out to known, legitimate sources directly.
🚨 Report any suspicious contacts to your local authorities and the platform where the original scam took place.

Being scammed is painful enough—don't let these criminals take advantage of you a second time.

Share this post to spread awareness and help protect others from these despicable recovery scams.

Scam Watch Ireland Your guide against scams in Ireland. Stay informed, stay secure!

05/06/2024

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Revolut Identity Confirmation 🚨

We need to alert you about a new scam targeting people through text messages. Scammers are sending messages claiming that their Revolut account is locked and that they need to confirm their identity with a selfie.

📲 **How the Scam Works:**
1. You receive a text message claiming to be from Revolut.
2. The message states that your account is locked and you must confirm your identity with a selfie.
3. A link is provided, directing you to a fake website that looks like Revolut's.
4. You're asked to enter personal information: name, email, phone number, and passcode.
5. Then, you're prompted to take a selfie and another selfie with a handwritten note.
6. Finally, they ask for additional ID, such as a passport, or alternatively, your email address and password.

Please don’t click on the link in these texts and delete the message. If you need to speak to Revolut, make sure that you’re doing so on their official website or app only.

Photos from Scam Watch Ireland's post 07/05/2024

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Exploiting Tragedy 🚨

It's with heavy hearts that we must bring your attention to a new low in scamming tactics. Recently, amidst a heartbreaking loss in our community, some unscrupulous individuals have stooped to exploiting our grief and compassion for their own gain.

If you engaged with a recent death notice on Facebook, please be extra cautious. We've received reports of fake profiles, masquerading as "funeral services," sending friend requests to anyone who reacted or commented on the post. These profiles then direct you to click on a link, supposedly to watch the funeral service via livestream.

However, here's the catch: To access the livestream, they ask for your bank card details under the guise of registration. This is not only deceitful but downright malicious.

🔍 **How to Protect Yourself:**
- 🛑 Never trust friend requests from unfamiliar profiles, especially during sensitive times.
- 🕵️‍♂️ Always verify the authenticity of any links or requests before providing personal or financial information.
- 🚨 Report suspicious activity immediately to Facebook and local authorities.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.

Let's stand together as a community and protect each other from these heartless scams. Share this post to spread awareness and keep our loved ones safe.

Photos from Fraud Prevention Ireland's post 14/02/2024
14/02/2024
09/02/2024

Valentine’s Day is upon us, so let's dive into the world of romance scams—a deceptive game that's unfortunately all too common these days. These scams have evolved far beyond those classic Nigerian prince emails; now, they're slicker, savvier, and more sophisticated than ever.

Here's the lowdown: These scammers target vulnerable individuals, especially older folks who may not be as internet-savvy or who are seeking companionship. They'll invest significant time and effort into building a false sense of trust, chatting with their targets daily, and showering them with compliments and affectionate messages.

But here's where things take a dark turn: Once they've gained your trust, they'll start laying the groundwork for their ultimate goal—getting their hands on your money. They'll spin elaborate tales of emergencies or financial hardships, tugging at your heartstrings and appealing to your sense of compassion.

They may claim to be stuck abroad, serving in the military, or facing some other dire situation that requires immediate financial assistance. They'll promise to pay you back, swear undying love and devotion, and even talk about marriage and a future together.

But make no mistake: it's all a carefully crafted ruse designed to part you from your money. Behind the sweet talk and promises lies a cold, calculated scam.

So, here's what you need to know: If someone you've met online starts asking for money, especially if it's for a supposed emergency or unexpected expense, proceed with extreme caution. Take the time to thoroughly vet anyone you meet online, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.

If you feel like you’re talking to someone who could be a scammer, feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to advise.

Have you or anyone you know got sucked into a romance scam? Let us know in the comments!

Scam Watch Ireland Your guide against scams in Ireland. Stay informed, stay secure!

Photos from Scam Watch Ireland's post 26/01/2024

🚨 Tax Refund Scam Alert 🚨

Attention, everyone! 📣

Scammers are circulating texts posing as Revenue, claiming pending tax refunds.

Be cautious - clicking on the provided link directs you to a fake site requesting sensitive information.

Safeguard your details by using only official Revenue channels or MyGovID for tax-related inquiries.

Stay informed, stay protected!

✨Many thanks to our follower Ajka for sending this on✨

17/01/2024

That moment when you get a scam comment on a scam awareness page 🤦🏻‍♀️🥲

12/01/2024

⚠️ Heads up, everyone!

Another deceptive text is making the rounds, claiming to be from phone operators, trying to get your sensitive information.

Don't take the bait - avoid clicking any links in unsolicited messages.

Stay sharp, stay safe!

04/01/2024

🚨 Beware of Fake Facebook Ads! 🚨

📣⚠️ With the new year and after-Christmas sales, there’s been a surge in deceptive Facebook ads targeting people in Ireland.

Scammers impersonate trusted brands, enticing with unbelievably low prices on products like perfumes, fashion, and cosmetics. Victims fall prey, placing orders only to receive neither goods nor refunds.

Protect yourself:
1️⃣ Verify the legitimacy of the ad and the seller before making any purchase.
2️⃣ Cross-check prices with reputable retailers to spot unrealistically low offers.
3️⃣ If in doubt, avoid providing personal or payment details.

Stay savvy, stay secure! Let's spread awareness and thwart these scams together.

Scam calls | Revolut Ireland 04/01/2024

🚨 Scam Warning: Revolut Impersonation Call 🚨

📞 ⚠️ Beware of automated calls falsely claiming a €79 Amazon charge on your Revolut card.

It's a scam! Do not interact. This is a ploy to gather your personal information.

👉 On a call, Revolut employees will never:

- Tell you that your money is in danger or ask you to move money to a 'safe account'.
- Give you account details or pressure you to move money to a different account.
- Ask you for your pass-codes, passwords, PIN, SMSs, card details or sensitive personal information.

More info about Revolut scams can be found on their website here: https://help.revolut.com/en-IE/help/profile-and-plan/security-and-personal-data/online-fraud/scam-calls/

Stay sharp, stay protected!

Scam calls | Revolut Ireland Get the answers you need for any issues or questions you may have

Photos from Scam Watch Ireland's post 03/01/2024

🚨 "Child in Need" Scam 🚨

This scam tactic preys on your parental instincts.

Scammers pose as your child, citing phone issues and a changed number. They exploit your concern to manipulate you into sharing sensitive information.

Here’s the scam in detail:
1️⃣ You receive a text from an Irish number, allegedly your child, seeking help.
2️⃣ Scammer explains phone issues and requests a favor: paying a bill on their behalf.
3️⃣ They can’t access their bank account due to the new number and ask for your bank card details.

Protect yourself:
✅ Verify with your child on their usual number before taking any action.
✅ Ask personal questions only your child would know to confirm their identity.
✅ Never share sensitive information like bank details over text.

Stay vigilant, stay informed!
Let’s outsmart scammers together.

18/12/2023

🚨 Scam Alert: Protect Yourself! 🚨

We've received reports from our followers about a scam currently targeting people in Ireland. Be cautious if you receive calls or texts claiming to be from your bank or Revolut, mentioning suspicious transactions.

🛑 RED FLAGS:
1️⃣ Unsolicited contact about transactions.
2️⃣ Claims of account hacking.
3️⃣ Requests for remote access to your device.

⚠️ SCAM DETAILS:
Scammers trick victims into granting remote access, then manipulate accounts for unauthorized transactions or use emotional tactics for refund scams. Be vigilant!

🔒 STAY SAFE:
1️⃣ Never share personal info or grant remote access.
2️⃣ Verify contact with your bank independently.
3️⃣ Report suspicious activity to authorities.

Spread the word and let's protect our community from falling victim to these scams! 💪

Scam Watch Ireland Your guide against scams in Ireland. Stay informed, stay secure!

16/12/2023

🇮🇪 Welcome to Scam Watch Ireland! Thank you for all the support and likes! 🙌

🚨 Our mission is to keep you informed about the latest scams in Ireland – whether they're lurking on social media, messaging apps, phone calls, or phishing texts. Together, we can build a safer digital space.

📣 Have you spotted any scams recently? Help us keep our community alert by sharing screenshots and details via direct message. Let's unite against scams! 💪

Photos from Scam Watch Ireland's post 14/12/2023

🚨 Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from Job Scams

🔍 Beware of job offers on WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, etc., promising high pay for minimal work!

👉 Scammers pose as marketing companies, offering €600-€1000 per week for tasks like improving product ratings or holiday package reviews.

📊 Victims may see earnings initially, but it's a trap! When attempting withdrawals, they're asked to send money to meet a minimum requirement—leading to a dead end.

⚠️ Don't fall for the illusion! These are cryptocurrency scams exploiting your trust.

🎄 Especially during the holiday season, be cautious. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

👥 Share this post to alert friends and family! Let's stay vigilant and protect each other from scams.

14/12/2023

⚠️ Beware! Scam Alert ⚠️

🚨 Received a text from eFlow with a suspicious link?

🛑 Don't click! It's a scam aiming to collect your bank details.

🕵️‍♂️ Stay safe, delete the message, and report any phishing attempts. Let's keep our community secure!

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