TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has urged shoppers to be wary of fraud and scams as the January sales begin, asking people to be sure of who they are doing business with and to remember that some deals really are too good to be true.
Teachta Crowe said: “I would like to remind everyone of the dangers that exist when shopping online. The January sales are on and it is one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. As we increasingly move to mainly or only using online shopping, we must be increasingly vigilant for people who would take advantage.
“Reported cases of fraud skyrocketed last year. In some areas of South Dublin, gardaí report a 60% increase in people reporting that they have experienced fraud or scams with the vast majority being online or over the phone.
“Scam deals on Facebook or DoneDeal have been a real problem throughout the pandemic. In the run up to the January sales, it is vital that people be vigilant when shopping online and in how they transfer payments.
“Sometimes when you see a great deal or bargain online, it really is too good to be true.
“There are ways however to protect yourself such as buying and selling locally, meeting the buyer or seller in person where it is practical to do so, never sharing your bank details, and always being careful who you share contact information with.”
