Situation guides: what to do about the suspicious
Step-by-step guides from the NoCall team for acting in each suspicious situation.
A call from a relative in trouble with an AI-cloned voice: how to check
You hear your son, your granddaughter or your partner: they've had an accident or been arrested and need money right now. It could be a voice cloned with artificial intelligence. Here's how to check in a couple of minutes and what to do.
Selling on DoneDeal, Adverts.ie or Vinted and the "buyer" asks for my details or sends a link
You list something for sale and a so-called buyer sends you a link to "receive the payment" or "arrange delivery", or asks for your card details. It's a scam aimed at sellers. Here's how it works, how to spot it and what to do if you've already fallen for it.
"You've won a prize": the fake competition call or text that asks you to pay
You get a call or a text: you've won a draw, a phone or a voucher, and all that's left is to pay a small fee or give your card details to claim it. It's a scam. Here's how to spot it and what to do if you've already shared your details.
Job offer on WhatsApp or Telegram: the "task" scam
A stranger offers you easy money from home for liking videos, following accounts or writing reviews. At first they pay you, then they ask for deposits. Here's how it works and what to do.
Fake toll or traffic fine text: what to do and how to check if it's real
A text says you have an unpaid M50 toll, a speeding fine or a parking charge, with a link to pay before a penalty kicks in. It's smishing. Here's how to spot it, how to check whether you really owe anything and what to do if you've already paid.
"I sent you a code by mistake": how your WhatsApp gets stolen
A contact or a stranger asks you to forward a six-digit code you've just received by text. It's the WhatsApp and Telegram account takeover scam. Here's how it works, what to do if you've already sent it and how to lock down your account.
A foreign number is ringing me: what to do and how to block it
You get a call with another country's dialling code and you're not expecting anything from abroad. Here are the real risks, why you should never ring back, what to do if you've already answered or returned the call, and how to block these calls.
"The Gardaí" or "a court" is ringing me: the fake officer scam
A caller claiming to be a Garda, a court official or a government department says you're under investigation, your PPS number has been suspended or there's a warrant out for you, and demands payment or your details. It's a scam. Here's how to recognise it and what to do.
"Can you hear me?": the call that tries to record you saying "yes"
You answer, a voice asks "can you hear me?" or "are you the account holder?" and the line goes dead. Can a recorded "yes" be used to sign you up for something? We separate myth from reality and explain how to respond.
"Hi Mam, this is my new number": the WhatsApp scam and what to do
An unknown number messages you on WhatsApp claiming to be your son or daughter, with a new phone and an urgent bill to pay. Here's how to check it in a minute, what to do if you've already paid, and how to report it.
Fake Microsoft technician: the call saying your computer "has a virus"
Someone from "Microsoft", "Apple", your broadband provider or your antivirus rings: your computer is infected and they want you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer to fix it. It's a scam. Here's how to spot it and what to do if you've already let them in.
Fake debt collectors: threatening calls about a debt you don't owe
Someone rings demanding immediate payment of a debt you don't recognise and threatens court, the sheriff or even arrest. Here's how the scam works, what your rights are and how to check whether the debt is real.