- The CCPC lists the order: stop contact, contact your bank or card provider, report to gardaí, then check accounts and devices.
- A credit card may give stronger protection than a debit card or a bank transfer, according to the CCPC.
- Gardaí say even an attempted fraud should be reported, because fraudsters reuse methods.
- Central Bank of Ireland figures quoted by BPFI show €179 million lost to fraudulent payments and scams in 2025, up 27% on 2024.
The first hour
- Stop replying. Block the number, the email address and the social media account. Do not pay a "release fee", a customs charge or any second payment.
- Call your bank. Use the number on the back of your card, as BPFI advises, not one the seller gave you. Ask whether the payment can be reversed or charged back.
- Save evidence. Screenshots, usernames, phone numbers, bank transfer details, receipts and the web address. Do this before the account or advert disappears.
The first day
- Report to gardaí. Go to your local Garda station. An Garda Síochána says all members can investigate fraud and that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau handles more serious and complex cases passed to it.
- Tell the platform. If you saw the offer on social media or a marketplace, report it there. The CCPC adds that you have rights under the EU Digital Services Act where an online platform or advert is involved.
- Check your accounts. Review recent transactions, change passwords and switch on two-factor authentication, as the CCPC advises. Do the same for any login you shared.
If you sent documents
| What you sent | What to do |
|---|---|
| Photos of a passport, driving licence or Public Services Card | Tell gardaí exactly which documents. If a card is lost or stolen as well, NDLS needs a Garda Declaration form for a replacement licence, and charges €35. |
| Your MyGovID or other login details | Treat it as account compromise: change the password and review the account, following the CCPC steps. |
| Card details | Ask your bank to cancel or replace the card. The CCPC gives that advice if you notice suspicious activity. |
| Your original licence or permit | Report it as lost or stolen if it left your hands, and apply for a replacement on NDLS. |
If you got something back
If a card or certificate arrived, do not use it. Possessing or using a false document can be an offence, with the ceilings set out on our law page. If you obtained a learner permit through someone else's test, the RSA has voided and revoked such permits. You may want to speak to a solicitor, and we cannot give legal advice.
What the real process would have cost
For a comparison, the official fees are €45 for the theory test, €45 for a first learner permit, €85 for a car driving test and €65 for the first licence (checked 5 October 2026). Our guide to the legal route sets out the sequence.
Who to contact
| Who | For what |
|---|---|
| Your bank or card provider | Chargeback, reversal, card replacement |
| Local Garda station | Reporting the fraud and any stolen documents |
| CCPC helpline | Advice on consumer rights and next steps |
| NDLS | Replacing a lost or stolen licence or permit |
What a real case looks like
The CCPC gives a case study. A consumer ordered an item online and paid €30 by debit card. About five days later he realised it was a scam: nothing had arrived and his bank told him the same business had taken a further €46.15. The bank blocked the card. He reported to gardaí and the CCPC. The bank reversed the second deduction but he had not recovered the first €30 when interviewed. On reflection he thought the site and photos had not looked right, and said that checking reviews first would have shown the scam. Two lessons carry over: scammers often take a second payment, and the card number you give once is a card number they have.
An evidence sheet to fill in
| Item | What to record |
|---|---|
| Where you saw it | Platform, profile name, link, date |
| How you were contacted | Phone number, WhatsApp account, email address |
| What you were promised | The document, the price and the delivery date |
| What you paid | Amount, date, method, account details shown |
| What you sent | Each document or photo, and when |
The first week
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bank call, evidence saved, Garda report, passwords changed |
| Days 2 to 3 | Follow up with the bank about the chargeback; report the profile to the platform |
| Days 4 to 7 | Review statements for unfamiliar payments; replace any lost document through NDLS |
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back?
Possibly, but it is not certain. Ask your bank about a chargeback or reversal straight away. The CCPC says a credit card may give stronger protection than a debit card or a bank transfer.
Should I report it even if I lost little?
Yes. Gardaí say even attempted fraud should be reported, because fraudsters often use the same methods again and your information can help identify them.
Where do I report a scam in Ireland?
To your local Garda station, and to your bank. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigates the more serious and complex cases referred to it.
Do I need to cancel my passport or licence?
Only if the original left your hands. Photos or copies cannot be cancelled, so tell gardaí exactly what you sent. A lost or stolen licence is replaced on NDLS for €35 with a Garda Declaration form.
Was it a crime to pay them?
That depends on the facts and we cannot advise. If you received or used a false document, see our law page for the offences, and consider speaking to a solicitor. Either way, gardaí want to hear about the fraud.