Laois gardaí warn of rise in holiday and ticketing scams and investment frauds

If you're lucky enough to be planning a holiday this year, or trying to grab a few concert tickets or invest a little extra cash, then you need to be aware: the fraudsters are already ahead of you.

Laois gardaí are appealing for the public to be extra vigilant and Sergeant Graham Kavanagh has provided the following advice to stay alert online. 

Fraud in Ireland continues to evolve. With the rise of artificial intelligence, scammers are now producing far more convincing adverts, emails, and fake websites than ever before. What once looked suspicious is now highly professional—polished websites, cloned customer service lines, and flawless spelling and grammar. In many cases, victims only realise they’ve been defrauded when it’s too late.

This time of year, Gardaí across the country see a sharp increase in holiday scams, investment frauds, ticketing scams, and bogus online sales. And the emotional toll is often just as damaging as the financial loss.

In my role, I’ve seen cases from people of all ages—some who lost their entire savings to what seemed like a safe investment, and others duped into sending money for fake holidays, rental properties, or music festival tickets that didn’t exist.

The New Face of Fraud
Today’s criminals are strategic and highly organised. Many operate in international networks and use digital tools to manipulate, impersonate, and exploit. AI is now used to generate fake “investment adviser” videos, doctored testimonials, and cloned voices over the phone.
Even seasoned internet users are getting caught out. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Common Scams We’re Seeing Right Now

1. Holiday Rental Scams
Victims come across fake ads for holiday homes—usually at a bargain rate—and are asked to pay a deposit upfront. The property either doesn’t exist or is already booked. By the time the victim arrives or checks further, the scammer is gone.

2. Fake Festival & Event Tickets
Scammers sell fake or duplicated tickets for concerts, sports fixtures, or festivals. Often, they target people through private messages or resale forums, asking for payment via instant transfer. The ticket either never arrives or is rejected at the gate.

3. Investment Fraud
Offers of “guaranteed returns” through cryptocurrencies, green energy, or offshore property deals are advertised online. Victims are pressured into transferring money quickly before “the opportunity closes.” Once paid, communication stops.

4. Online Marketplace Scams
Goods advertised at unusually low prices—particularly electronics, tools, or vehicles—are fake. Buyers pay in advance but never receive the item, or get something completely different and worthless.

5. Romance or Companion Scams
A person builds an emotional connection over time—usually online—and eventually asks for money due to an emergency, travel problem, or shared “investment” opportunity. These scams are often highly convincing and calculated.

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Money Muling – A Silent Crime with Serious Consequences

Another growing area of concern for Gardaí is money muling—when individuals, often young people, are recruited to receive and transfer money through their personal bank accounts in exchange for a cut or commission.

At first glance, it may seem like easy money. The reality is very different.
Money mules are participating in criminal laundering networks, often unknowingly helping to move stolen or fraudulently obtained funds through the financial system. It is a criminal offence under Irish law and can carry serious consequences—including prosecution, a permanent criminal record, and closure of bank accounts.

These schemes typically target teenagers and young adults, often through online messages, casual acquaintances or even strangers promising fast cash “just for helping out.”

Advice to Parents and Young Adults:
Never allow your bank account to be used to transfer or hold money for someone else.
Be cautious of job offers or online ads offering easy money with no clear details.
If approached, report it to Gardaí or speak to a teacher, parent or trusted adult.
Schools, colleges, and sports clubs are encouraged to discuss this topic openly—it’s happening in towns across the country.

Key Red Flags to Watch For
You’re asked to act urgently or risk missing out.
You’re asked to pay by bank transfer, money app, or cryptocurrency.
The seller or trader won’t speak on the phone or give a verifiable business address.
You’re told not to discuss the deal with anyone else.
You're offered too-good-to-be-true pricing or unusually high investment returns.

Practical Advice to Stay Safe

1. Use a Credit Card Where Possible

When booking holidays or buying tickets, credit cards offer better consumer protection under Irish and EU law. If something goes wrong, you have a higher chance of recovering your money.

2. Never Pay by Bank Transfer to a Stranger

Avoid paying for anything by bank transfer, especially if you’re buying from someone online. Use secure and traceable payment methods.

3. Verify Everything First

If it’s a holiday rental, verify that the property exists and is genuinely available. If it’s an investment, check the company is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. If it’s a ticket, make sure it’s being sold through an authorised and official source.

4. Don’t Share Personal Documents

Be cautious with ID, passport scans, or financial details. These can be used to clone your identity or commit further fraud.

5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you believe you’ve been scammed—or even targeted—contact your bank immediately and report it to Gardaí. Early reporting can limit the damage and may help recover funds. 

Trusted Information Sources: Know Where to Turn
If you’re ever unsure about whether something is a scam, FraudSmart.ie is a trusted national resource backed by the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland. It offers clear, practical advice on how to recognise fraud, avoid common traps, and report suspicious activity.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) is the central Garda unit tasked with investigating complex fraud and economic crime in Ireland. Through national operations, public education campaigns, and support to local stations, the GNECB continues to combat online scams, romance fraud, invoice fraud, and more.

Your local Gardaí work closely with GNECB to track down offenders and support victims. If you’ve been targeted or have concerns about suspicious messages, don't hesitate to reach out.

Protecting Others
Fraudsters rely on secrecy. Don’t let embarrassment stop you or someone you know from reporting. If a parent, neighbour, or young person mentions a too-good-to-be-true deal, have the conversation. A gentle word could save them a huge financial loss.
Scams are now so sophisticated that anyone can be targeted. No one should feel foolish for being cautious.

Final Word
There’s no shame in being careful. Whether you're trying to plan a break, buy something second-hand, or build a bit of security for your future—verify before you pay, and don’t be rushed. Fraud isn’t just a big city problem. It’s happening in every county, every week.
Stay informed. Stay alert. And remember—if in doubt, don’t click, don’t pay, don’t engage.