Financial Crime World

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Reporting Fraud in Ireland

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This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to report various types of fraud in Ireland, including Advance Fee Fraud, Rental Scams, Card Skimming, Email Scams, and Bribery and Corruption.

General Advice

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Requests

  • Always say “NO” to unsolicited callers or texters seeking private information.
  • Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied by the caller or texter.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers of service or benefits.

Reporting Specific Types of Fraud

Advance Fee Fraud

  • Report incidents to your local Garda station who can investigate on your behalf.
  • Use an ESCROW account where possible to ensure funds are not released until you are certain it is a legitimate transaction.
  • Be cautious of rental scams, especially when dealing with 3rd-level students seeking accommodation.

Rental Scams

  • Only do business with established bon-fide rental agencies.
  • Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.
  • Ask for identification and take a photo of it on your phone.
  • Pay the deposit to the Landlord, not the person leaving the property or courier.

Card Skimming

  • Report the matter immediately to your bank or financial institution who can assess your transactions and monitor them for any unusual activity.
  • Inform your bank to close/freeze your card and inform your local Garda station.
  • Try to retrace your steps if you recently used the card somewhere you don’t normally.

Email Scams

  • Be vigilant about who is contacting you, identify whether contact was initiated by you, and whether this email is unsolicited.
  • Never transfer money to an unknown source.
  • Report it in the first instance to your local Garda station.

Making a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR)

Register on GoAML with FIU Ireland

  • Submit an STR electronically using the GoAML system.
  • Print and submit each STR to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Bribery and Corruption

  • Report any suspicion or documentary proof of corrupt practices to An Garda Síochána.
  • Contact the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Unit directly via the Confidential Reporting Line at 1800 40 60 80.