Learn to Spot Scams

Why Learn to Identify Scams?

While our machine-learning-powered tool helps detect scams, understanding the common patterns and techniques used by scammers empowers you to protect yourself independently. This knowledge helps you make better decisions even when you can't immediately check a message.

Red Flags in Scam Messages

Urgency & Pressure

Scammers create artificial urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly.

  • "Act now or your account will be closed!"
  • "Limited time offer expires in 1 hour!"
  • "Immediate action required!"
  • "Your account has been suspended"
Tip: Legitimate companies give you time to respond and don't threaten immediate consequences.
Too Good to Be True

Unrealistic offers designed to trigger excitement and override caution.

  • "You've won €1,000,000!"
  • "Get a free iPhone by clicking here"
  • "Congratulations! You're a winner!"
  • "100% guaranteed returns on investment"
Tip: If you didn't enter a competition, you haven't won. Be skeptical of unsolicited prizes.
Requests for Personal Information

Legitimate organizations never ask for sensitive information via text.

  • Passwords or PINs
  • Full bank account numbers
  • Social Security/Insurance numbers
  • Credit card CVV codes
Tip: Banks and legitimate companies will NEVER ask for passwords or sensitive details via SMS or email.
Suspicious Links

Malicious URLs designed to steal your information or install malware.

  • Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl) from unknown sources
  • Misspelled domain names (amaozn.com, paypa1.com)
  • URLs with unusual characters (@, %, excessive hyphens)
  • Links that don't match the claimed sender
Tip: Hover over links (on desktop) to see the actual URL before clicking. When in doubt, type the website address manually.

Common Types of Text Message Scams

What it is: Messages pretending to be from legitimate companies (banks, delivery services, government) to steal your login credentials or personal information.

Example: "Your bank account has been locked. Click here to verify your identity immediately."

How to spot it:
  • Generic greetings ("Dear customer" instead of your name)
  • Requests to click links and enter login details
  • Claims of account problems or suspicious activity
  • Pressure to act immediately
What to do: Contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate, NOT through the message.

What it is: Messages claiming to be from delivery companies saying you missed a delivery or need to pay a small fee.

Example: "An Post: Your parcel is awaiting delivery. Pay €2.99 redelivery fee: [link]"

How to spot it:
  • Unexpected delivery notifications when you haven't ordered anything
  • Requests for small payments (often €1-5)
  • Poor grammar or spelling errors
  • Unofficial-looking sender addresses
What to do: Check your order history or tracking numbers directly with the retailer or delivery company's official app/website.

What it is: Claims that you've won a prize, lottery, or competition you never entered.

Example: "CONGRATULATIONS! You've been selected to win a €500 gift card. Claim now!"

How to spot it:
  • You don't remember entering the competition
  • Requires you to pay fees or provide banking details to claim
  • Uses excessive capitalization and exclamation marks
  • Promises of huge prizes with little effort
What to do: Ignore and delete. Legitimate prizes never require payment or sensitive information to claim.

What it is: Messages pretending to be from tax authorities or government agencies claiming you owe money or are due a refund.

Example: "Revenue: You are due a tax refund of €247.32. Click here to claim within 72 hours."

How to spot it:
  • Government agencies rarely contact people via SMS
  • Threats of legal action or arrest
  • Pressure to act quickly to avoid penalties
  • Requests for payment via unusual methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency)
What to do: Contact the government agency directly using official contact information from their website. Never use links in suspicious messages.

What it is: Scammers build online relationships to eventually ask for money or personal information.

Example: After weeks of messaging: "I'm in trouble and need €500 for an emergency. Can you help?"

How to spot it:
  • Moves relationship very quickly ("love at first sight")
  • Makes excuses why they can't video chat or meet in person
  • Eventually asks for money (emergencies, travel, medical issues)
  • Profile seems too good to be true
What to do: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Be wary of online-only relationships that progress too quickly.

Best Practices for Staying Safe

Do This:
  • Verify independently: Contact companies using official contact information from their website
  • Think before clicking: Hover over links to see the actual destination
  • Use two-factor authentication: Adds extra security to your accounts
  • Keep software updated: Install security updates promptly
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is
  • Report scams: Help protect others by reporting scams to relevant local authorities
Don't Do This:
  • Never share: Passwords, PINs, or full account numbers via text/email
  • Don't click blindly: Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages
  • Don't rush: Legitimate companies give you time to respond
  • Don't send money: To people you've only met online
  • Don't trust caller ID: Scammers can fake phone numbers
  • Don't engage: Responding to scam messages confirms your number is active

What to Do If You Think You've Been Scammed

  1. Stop all communication with the scammer immediately
  2. Contact your bank if you shared financial information or sent money
  3. Change your passwords if you provided account credentials
  4. Report the scam:
  5. Monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised activity

Additional Resources

Citizens Information - How to avoid scams Which? - Consumer advice on spotting scams
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