{"id":21378,"date":"2025-03-14T12:33:02","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T12:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccpc.inventise.ie\/consumers\/?p=21378"},"modified":"2025-03-14T12:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T12:33:02","slug":"scams-fraud-stop-think-and-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccpc.inventise.ie\/consumers\/2025\/03\/14\/scams-fraud-stop-think-and-check\/","title":{"rendered":"Scams & Fraud: Stop, Think and Check!"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of Global Money Week 2025, we\u2019re dropping daily news stories, and this one\u2019s all about staying safe online! This is the fourth story in our Global Money Week series, so if you missed the others, you can view them in consumer news<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Global Money Week theme<\/a> is all about finding trustworthy financial information online. Unfortunately, though, scammers are getting sneakier by the day. From convincing fake clothes websites to shady DMs, fraudsters are constantly trying to trick you into giving up your hard-earned money. That\u2019s why it’s super important to stay sharp and protect your personal info!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s check out some of the most common scams targeting young people today:<\/p>\n

Money Mules – Don\u2019t get caught in the trap.<\/h2>\n

A money mule is someone tricked into moving illegal money through their bank account. According to Fraudsmart, nearly half of 18\u201324-year-olds know someone who’s been asked to do this! It could come through a fake job offer, through social media DMs, or maybe even someone you vaguely know.<\/p>\n

These criminals might promise you big rewards like cash or expensive gifts for \u201cholding\u201d money in your account. Be warned – this is money laundering. If you get caught, you could face serious consequences like being banned from having a bank account, fines, or even prison time.<\/p>\n

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Top Tips<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Never share your bank details with someone you don\u2019t fully trust.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t \u201cmind\u201d money for anyone, even if you know them.
\n\u2022 Think you\u2019re being targeted? Contact your bank and the Garda\u00ed immediately!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Ticket Scams – Don\u2019t fall for fakes!<\/h2>\n

Have you ever been disappointed you\u2019ve missed out on a ticket to a sold-out concert, only to find someone miraculously selling one online? Unfortunately, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.<\/p>\n

Scammers prey on people desperate to see their favourite artist by selling fake tickets. You\u2019ll hand over your cash and either never get the ticket or get a fake one that won\u2019t let you into the event.<\/p>\n

To learn more about ticket scams, visit our scams web page<\/a>.
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Top Tip<\/h3>\n

Always buy tickets from the venue, promoter, or an official, reputable site!
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Crypto and scams<\/h2>\n

Every so often, the trend of buying and investing in Crypto and Forex trading rolls back around on social media.<\/p>\n

While Forex trading and Crypto is not always a scam, it is an investment that carries a significant amount of risk and is not guaranteed. You could easily lose all the money you put in, with no way of getting it back.<\/p>\n

It can be easy to get sucked into the hype \u2013 you\u2019ll often see spreadsheets of profit and loss charts, where people appear to be making hundreds or thousands of euros or dollars. And it might all seem so simple \u2013 but again, if something is too good to be true, it usually is.<\/p>\n

Crypto can be a scam however, and can happen in the form of romance scams, impersonation, fake websites or through phishing. Check out this handy video about scams<\/a> by the Central Bank of Ireland, to learn more.<\/p>\n

Other scams<\/h2>\n

Be on the lookout for:<\/p>\n