Online shopping is part of everyday life in Ireland now, but unfortunately so are online shopping scams. From fake Irish clothing brands to dodgy social media ads and nightmare returns, scammers are getting smarter and harder to spot.
If you buy anything online, this guide will walk you through the most common online shopping scams in Ireland and how to protect yourself.
1. Fake “Irish” Clothing Brands
One of the biggest scams right now involves websites pretending to be Irish owned businesses. They use Irish place names, flags and phrases like “support local” to build trust.
In reality, many of these sites:
- Have no physical presence in Ireland
- Are run from outside the EU
- Ship low quality items from overseas
How to spot it:
- Check for a real Irish address
- Look for a CRO number or VAT number
- See if the website domain is actually .ie
If the About page is vague or overly emotional, be cautious.
2. AI Generated Ads and Fake Models
Scammers now use AI to create perfect looking models and videos that show clothing that does not really exist.
These ads often:
- Look very polished and professional
- Use fake influencer style videos
- Show fabrics and fits that are unrealistic
How to spot it:
- If every image looks too perfect, that is a red flag
- Look for real customer photos or tagged social posts
- Reverse image search the product pictures
3. Drop Shipping Low Quality Goods
Many scam shops are just middlemen. You order a €60 jumper and receive a €5 polyester top weeks later from China.
Common signs:
- Long delivery times like 10 to 30 days
- Poor quality materials
- Wrong sizing and colours
How to spot it:
- Google the product image
- Check if the same item is on AliExpress, Temu or Shein for much less
4. The Return Trap
This is one of the sneakiest online shopping scams in Ireland.
Scammers allow returns in theory, but:
- You must send the item back outside the EU
- Return shipping costs more than the item itself
- They make the process slow and frustrating
How to spot it:
- Always check where returns are sent
- If the address is in China or outside the EU, think twice
5. Fake Reviews and Disabled Comments
Scam websites often:
- Show only five star reviews
- Use generic names and short praise
- Turn off comments on their social media ads
How to spot it:
- Look for reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit
- Do not rely only on the website testimonials
6. Fake Urgency and “Closing Down” Sales
Examples include:
- Everything must go 80 percent off
- Final stock available
- Closing down today only
These sales often run forever.
How to spot it:
- If the same sale is still on weeks later, it is fake urgency
7. Fake Tracking and Delivery Updates
You get a tracking number but:
- It never updates
- Or shows strange movements around the world
- Or says delivered when nothing arrived
How to spot it:
- If tracking links to unknown courier sites, be cautious
How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online in Ireland
- Use PayPal or a payment card with buyer protection.
- Search the brand name plus the word scam or reviews
- Check the return policy before you buy
- Look for an Irish address and registration details
- Do not trust ads just because they look professional
Final Thoughts
Online shopping scams in Ireland do not always look like scams anymore. They look like stylish, well designed shops with convincing ads. That is exactly why they work.
A few minutes of checking before you buy can save you a lot of money and stress later.
Help Us Help Others
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And if you have been affected by an online shopping scam in Ireland, report this with your local Garda Station, here is more on cyber crime from the Garda Síochána website.
