- Gardaí advise reporting even an attempted fraud where nothing was taken, because fraudsters reuse methods.
- If you are unsure whether you were a victim, gardaí say to err on the side of caution and report.
- The CCPC says to report scams that come from an online ad or marketplace directly to the platform.
- BPFI's FraudSMART says to contact your bank using the number on the back of your card.
Who to contact, by situation
| Situation | Contact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You paid a seller or a fake NDLS page | Your bank or card provider, then your local Garda station | The bank can try a chargeback or block the card; gardaí record the fraud |
| You sent photos of documents | Local Garda station | Tell them exactly which documents |
| You saw an advert for licences or test passes | The platform, then gardaí | Platforms can remove it; gardaí can link reports |
| A site claims to help with your passport | Local Garda station | The Passport Service asks for this |
| A recorded call about your passport | Local Garda station | The Passport Service says it never calls this way |
| You want consumer-rights advice | CCPC helpline | Rights against online platforms and traders |
| Your licence is lost or stolen | Local Garda station, then NDLS | NDLS needs a Garda Declaration form for a replacement |
What gardaí say about reporting
An Garda Síochána says all of its members can investigate crimes of a fraudulent nature, and many have specialist training. Reports go in the first instance to your local Garda station. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau is the specialist bureau that investigates the more serious and complex cases, and cases unsuitable for local attention are forwarded to it. It also assists local investigations.
A report is worth making even where recovery is unlikely. The CCPC says reporting helps to build evidence. The theory test investigation described on our theory test page was a Garda National Economic Crime Bureau case that ran over several years.
What to have ready
- Screenshots of the advert, the profile and the messages, with dates.
- The phone number, email address, website address and any payment details.
- Bank or card statements showing what was taken.
- A list of the documents you sent.
Platforms and your rights
If the scam reached you through a social media ad or a marketplace, report it to the platform. The CCPC points out that the EU Digital Services Act gives you rights where an online platform or advertisement is involved. That matters for a page imitating NDLS: the 2020 warning covered a Facebook page that gardaí said had been reported to Facebook for removal.
What to do first, in order
- Stop contact and block the account.
- Call your bank.
- Save evidence.
- Report to gardaí.
- Check and secure your accounts.
The long version is on what to do if you paid. If you can tell us about a scam page, use our contact form, but report it to gardaí as well, because we cannot investigate or recover money.
A report you can copy
When you go to a Garda station or write to your bank, a short factual account helps. Include the date you first saw the offer, the platform and profile, what was promised and for how much, each payment with its date and amount, the documents you sent, and the last contact. State what you did not do: you did not receive a licence, you did not use anything you were sent. Keep the account factual and avoid guessing who is behind it.
Reporting to the platform
| What to send | Why |
|---|---|
| A link to the profile or advert | So the platform can find and remove it |
| Screenshots with dates | The advert may be deleted after you report it |
| Your report reference | Gardaí and your bank may ask for it |
Rights and limits
The CCPC points out that a credit card may give stronger protection than a debit card or transfer. Chargeback outcomes depend on your bank and the circumstances, and nobody can guarantee a refund. Reporting is still worth doing.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report a scam in Ireland?
To your local Garda station, and to your bank or card provider if you paid. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigates the more serious and complex cases referred to it.
Should I report a scam where I lost nothing?
Yes. Gardaí say attempted fraud should be reported, because fraudsters often use the same methods again and your report can help identify them.
Can the CCPC recover my money?
We did not find that it can. The CCPC advises on your rights and next steps, and says to contact your bank about a chargeback and to report to gardaí.
How do I report a fake NDLS page?
Report it to the platform where you found it and to your local Garda station. The 2020 warning about a fake NDLS Facebook page asked victims to contact their local Garda station.
Who do I tell about a fake passport website?
The Passport Service asks that suspicions about a third-party website or a phone call go to your local Garda station.