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.
17:35
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Scammers are manipulating trust by masquerading as local businesses while operating from overseas, leading to customer frustration and loss.
- Consumers can safeguard themselves by researching unfamiliar retailers and recognizing warning signs, as proper enforcement against these scams remains challenging.
Deep dives
The Rise of Deceptive Online Retailers
Many online retailers masquerade as local businesses while actually operating from overseas, misleading consumers about their origin. A notable case involves a buyer named Alison who purchased a dress from a website that appeared to be based in Kildare, only to receive an incorrect size shipped from China weeks later. When she attempted to secure a full refund, the retailer proposed a series of discount offers instead, showcasing a tactic commonly used by these fraudulent companies. This situation highlights a growing trend of scams where consumers are lured by attractive prices but end up receiving inferior products, leaving them frustrated and out of pocket.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
