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Ireland
15 scams
Ireland is an enchanting place to visit. Here you can explore Irish castles, medieval architecture, Celtic art and take in a pint or two during St. Patrick’s Day or at a local pub!
That said, there are some tourist targeted scams and petty crime to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Emergency: 112 or 999
- Irish Tourist Assistance Service (for victims of crime): If using local phone number: 1890 365 700; email: [email protected]
Travel guide
Sob story scammer in Ireland
7 0How it works: There is a very infamous South African scammer by the fake name of Shaun Cash. He tells you a sob story, asks for money and adds you…
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Taxi scams in Ireland
6 0How it works: In 2017, the gardai (police) set up check points near Dublin Airport and found dozens of taxis taking tourists on a longer route or detour to inflate…
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Petition charity scam in Ireland
5 0How it works: Found all over Western Europe, someone acting deaf and mute will push a clipboard into your face, asking you to sign the form on it to donate…
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Snatch thefts in Ireland
3 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Streets: gangs of young men in shiny tracksuit buttons, white sneakers and baseball caps have been reported…
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Train seat tissue packet scam in Ireland
3 0How it works: Scammers pre-place tissue packets on train seats. If you touch it, they will heckle you aggressively to pay for it, especially if it’s squeezed or damaged. Places…
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Bicycle theft in Ireland
2 0How it works: More than 14,000 bicycles have been stolen in Ireland from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018. Places to beware: Anywhere: Dublin (~70% of cases), Cork (~5%),…
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Gallarus Oratory parking scam in Ireland
2 0How it works: There are signs indicating “free parking” which will bring you to the privately owned visitor centre, where you will be charged 3 Euros to be able to…
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Restaurant scams in Ireland
2 0How it works: Situation: most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: at restaurants/food outlets, by…
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Pickpockets in Ireland
2 1How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks/pushes/distracts/engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g. jacket/newspaper) and escapes. Places…
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Rental car scam in Ireland
2 0How it works: An investigation by The Irish Independent in late 2018 (report 1, report 2) found that rental car companies at Irish airports were charging crazy amounts for non-existent…
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