Most common scams in Ireland

Cheryl · 2025-06-19T07:58:42+02:00

Explore common scams affecting expats in Ireland. Share experiences, identify warning signs, and get tips to stay safe in your new home.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 June 2025 05:58:42

14312

Hello everyone,

Settling in Ireland as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or getting charged at an expat rate, scams can occur in various ways.
We invite you to share your experience in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats be aware of potential scams in Ireland.

What are the most common scams targeting expats in Ireland?

What are the specific warning signs to look out for?

Have you noticed certain groups being more vulnerable (for example, retirees, new arrivals, or non-native speakers)?

What tips and advice would you like to share to help other expats?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
禁漫天堂 Team

matjung Contributor

Member since 17 May 2014

matjungContributor14 July 2025 19:50:12

126

I think most scams are not dedicated to Expats in Ireland.

Some scams are targetting people looking for a place to stay, place to work, person to fall in love to.

In really rare cases you might find a landlord charging you money for water.

Water is free, so there are no water charges.

Then I would be careful with all forms of immigration/emigration consulting.

The topic is just so important that I would not hand over any money to someone else upfront.

If you go for short term rentals, it may happen that due to poor organization the place is having no capacity for your arrival. Then you may have to be patience. It may also happen, you booked for 3 weeks and cannot stay in week4 and 5. The later one is not a scam.

hassanbadia0649 New member

Member since 07 July 2025

hassanbadia0649New member21 July 2025 22:27:57

@matjung

I have a question: does the lawyer have the ability to help me find a decision from the international court regarding the Irish visa? Is there any risk in that?

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert22 July 2025 06:28:34

7980

@matjung
I have a question: does the lawyer have the ability to help me find a decision from the international court regarding the Irish visa? Is there any risk in that? - @hassanbadia0649

Hi, and welcome to the Forum.

The International courts do not routinely get involved with Irish visas, these being dealt with by the Irish Government.

If you need reputable advice on this matter, then my advice to you would be to speak to the Irish Government's Citizens Information department; they have a website, and this will take you straight to it.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

Brilliant B New member

Member since 06 August 2025

Brilliant BNew member15 September 2025 08:15:05

@Cheryl

Builders probably fall into those groups who will scam everyone if they think there's an easy profit so it's always advisable to get a second or third quote for a job you need doing. Travellers also have a reputation of scamming if there's money involved, I've heard all the stories of people getting stung. Be careful and check that anyone coming on to your property has liability insurance just in case of accident, otherwise you will get caught for the bill.

There's been lots of scammers contacting people by phone about services etc, so never give out any deals unless you are sure. We also have had a big influx of migrants into Ireland in recent years and with it comes opportunists, so my advice is use common sense, check Google feedback, check with a neighbour, ask the Garda before you say yes to anyone.