Online Shopping & Scam Prevention in Ireland Checklist: 21 Items
Check Irish online retailers, delivery terms, payment safety, returns and scam warning signs before placing an order.
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๐ Check the retailer
Notes: Confirm legal name, contact details and a credible address independently.
Confirm legal name, contact details and a credible address independently.
Notes: Small spelling changes and newly created domains can imitate known retailers.
Small spelling changes and newly created domains can imitate known retailers.
Notes: Fake or repetitive ratings are not reliable proof of a trustworthy seller.
Fake or repetitive ratings are not reliable proof of a trustworthy seller.
Notes: Consumer rights differ when buying from another private individual.
Consumer rights differ when buying from another private individual.
๐ Read product and order details
Notes: Compare size, model, compatibility and quantity with the listing.
Compare size, model, compatibility and quantity with the listing.
Notes: Include taxes, fees and any currency conversion before paying.
Include taxes, fees and any currency conversion before paying.
Notes: Cross-border orders may have different shipping complications.
Cross-border orders may have different shipping complications.
Notes: For most qualifying online purchases a 14-day cooling-off period may apply.
For most qualifying online purchases a 14-day cooling-off period may apply.
๐ Pay without exposing accounts
Notes: Prefer methods that provide appropriate purchase dispute protections.
Prefer methods that provide appropriate purchase dispute protections.
Notes: These payment requests are common fraud indicators.
These payment requests are common fraud indicators.
Notes: A legitimate purchase should not require sending your banking verification code to a seller.
A legitimate purchase should not require sending your banking verification code to a seller.
Notes: Review automatic renewals and trial terms before confirming.
Review automatic renewals and trial terms before confirming.
Notes: Keep references and receipts without sharing full card information.
Keep references and receipts without sharing full card information.
๐ Track delivery and returns
Notes: Avoid unexpected SMS links asking for small redelivery charges.
Avoid unexpected SMS links asking for small redelivery charges.
Notes: Photograph damaged packaging before disposing of it.
Photograph damaged packaging before disposing of it.
Notes: Record missing items or defects soon after delivery.
Record missing items or defects soon after delivery.
Notes: Keep a dated record of return or complaint requests.
Keep a dated record of return or complaint requests.
๐ก๏ธ Respond to suspected fraud
Notes: Ask about freezing compromised payment methods and dispute routes.
Ask about freezing compromised payment methods and dispute routes.
Notes: Protect reused credentials after any suspicious sign-in.
Protect reused credentials after any suspicious sign-in.
Notes: Keep URLs, communications and transactions for reporting without publishing sensitive details.
Keep URLs, communications and transactions for reporting without publishing sensitive details.
Notes: Follow Gardaรญ, CCPC or payment-provider guidance according to the incident.
Follow Gardaรญ, CCPC or payment-provider guidance according to the incident.
Complete Guide
A good-looking shop can still be fraudulent
Fake retailers can mimic trusted brands, use paid social advertising and publish generated reviews. Independently check seller identity and contact methods before entering payment data.
Know your rights before paying
CCPC explains that most qualifying online trader purchases include a 14-day cooling-off period, but exceptions apply. Read the actual product and seller terms carefully.
Cross-border shopping needs more attention
The sellerโs location can affect delivery, customs fees and how easily rights are enforced. Review the final cost and dispute options before ordering.
Protect payment and login information
Use verified checkout flows, avoid unusual advance transfers and never give a seller one-time banking codes. Secure passwords and MFA limit account exposure.
Document delivery and complaints
Keep order details, inspect goods and communicate through trusted channels. A clear record helps with complaints and bank-payment disputes.
Move quickly if fraud is suspected
Contact your bank, secure affected accounts, preserve evidence and use official reporting channels. Do not publish personal documents in a shared checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel any online order within 14 days?
Not every order. The cooling-off rule covers many qualifying distance purchases from traders, with statutory exceptions and different service rules.
Is a professional-looking website proof it is safe?
No. Fraudulent retailers may use convincing designs, copied reviews, stolen branding and AI-generated material.
Should I send a PPSN or passport photo to buy ordinary goods?
No. Unnecessary identity demands are a warning sign; avoid sharing such documents and verify the seller independently.
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