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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 numbers
- Emergency: 112 or 999
- Irish Tourist Assistance Service (for victims of crime): If using local phone number: 1890 365 700; email: [email protected]
Travel resources
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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Sob story scammer in Ireland
5 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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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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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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Pickpockets in Ireland
2 0How 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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Italian suit scam in Ireland
2 0How it works: Opening: a well-dressed Italian introduces himself as an Italian designer or someone who works for Armani and is here for a trade show. Set-up: he will ask you…
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Horse carriage scam in Ireland
2 0How it works: Version 1: at the end, you are told that the price is for each person, not per ride. Version 2: you are told that no taxis or…
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Credit card skimming in Ireland
2 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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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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Snatch thefts in Ireland
2 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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Fake beggars in Ireland
1 0How it works: You may encounter different types of beggars here (e.g. with animals, with baby, old beggars). Some genuinely need help, but the particularly aggressive ones are professionals. If…
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Vacation apartment scam in Ireland
1 0How it works: An attractive property listing is placed on a legitimate booking portal. When you enquire, you are told it is currently unavailable and redirected to another booking site….
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