In The News How to avoid a fresh scam hitting Irish shoppers online
Apr 15, 2025
Conor Pope, a Consumer Affairs correspondent, sheds light on the alarming rise of online shopping scams targeting Irish consumers. He discusses tactics scammers use to deceive shoppers by posing as local businesses. Listeners learn about the psychological allure of unreasonably low prices and the importance of recognizing red flags. Conor shares practical tips for navigating online shopping safely, including how to identify legitimate sellers and strategies for recovering lost funds from scams. His insights are vital for safeguarding consumers in the digital marketplace.
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Alison's Online Dress Scam
- Alison bought a dress from a site claiming to be based in Kildare but it arrived from China late and was the wrong size.
- The company only offered partial refunds and demanded the dress be returned to China, which ended her pursuit for a refund.
Fake Irish Online Shops Exploiting Trust
- Many fake Irish companies on social media sell poor quality products that arrive from overseas.
- They use names implying Irish heritage and claim to have closing sales to lure customers with big discounts.
Verify Unknown Online Sellers
- If you haven't heard of the company selling products online, treat it as a major warning sign.
- Google the company name and check for physical address and contact details to verify legitimacy before buying.