Money at risk. What to do right now

Take a breath. You are not alone.
This page helps you act fast without panic.

If you feel in immediate danger

Call 999 or 112.

I need urgent help now Continue with full guidance

Use this topic if you or someone you support:

• Shared card details, a bank login, or a one-time code
• Approved a payment or transfer and now regret it
• Think money may be at risk after a call, text, email, or a fake website

If you are not sure what happened, start with: 2-minute check

Do these 3 things first

If you are helping someone else, do not ask them to share a one-time code with you. If possible, sit with them and let them type it themselves.

1. Stop the contact

• Stop replying. Stop answering calls.
• Do not click again. Do not download anything.
• If someone is telling you what to do on the phone, hang up.

2. Protect your money

If this involves your bank account, card, or a one-time code, treat it as urgent.
A one-time code is the short code you get by text or in an app to approve a sign-in or payment.

• Call your bank now using a trusted number. Use the number on the back of your card, your official banking app, or your bank’s official website.

• Tell them what you shared and when.

• Ask them to:

  • Freeze your card or online banking (if needed)
  • Try to stop or reverse any pending payment or transfer
  • Block new payees or transfers until your account is secure
  • Watch for suspicious activity

Generate a call script for your situation:

Say:

“I think I’ve been scammed. Please freeze my account or card. Please try to stop or reverse any pending payments. Please block new payees.”

I shared a one-time code

Say: “I shared a one-time code that was sent to me. I think I was targeted by a scam. Please freeze my account or card. Please check for unauthorised access and block new payees. Please try to stop or reverse any pending payments.”

I typed card details into a website

Say: “I typed my card details into a website and I’m worried it was not genuine. Please freeze or cancel my card if needed and watch for suspicious activity. Please try to stop or reverse any pending payments. Please block new payees if my account may be at risk.”

I sent money already

Say: “I sent money and I believe it may have been a scam. Please try to stop or reverse the transfer if possible. Please freeze my account if needed and block new payees. Please tell me what information you need from me right now.”

If you cannot get through straight away, keep trying or use another official contact method listed by your bank (for example in your official banking app or on your bank’s official website).

3. Secure your accounts

• Change the password on the account you were asked to “verify”.
• Then change your email password too. (Email is often the key to resetting other accounts.)
• Turn on two-factor authentication where you can.

Choose what happened

Open the first match. If more than one happened, start at the top and work down.

You shared a one-time code, PIN, password, or bank login

• Call your bank and ask them to lock down your account.
• Change your banking password and your email password.
• Check your bank account for new payees, new devices, or new settings.

You typed card details into a website

• Call your bank or card provider.
• Ask them to cancel the card and issue a new one if needed.
• Check recent transactions and report any you do not recognise.

You sent money already

• Call your bank immediately. Ask if the payment can be stopped or reversed.
• Save any transaction references, screenshots, or receipts.
• If you were pressured or threatened, you can also report to your local Garda station.

Important

• Save copies of messages, emails, and transaction details (for example screenshots).
• Do not share your password, PIN, or one-time codes with anyone.

You clicked a link, opened an attachment, or installed an app

Go here next: Malware, remote access, ransomware

Save evidence (optional). 60 seconds

Simple incident log

Write down key facts now. It helps your bank, provider, or Gardaí act faster.

Print or fill this now. Nothing is saved.

Print this log Open the full log page

1. What happened

Date Time How you were contacted What it claimed to be Device used

2. Details you can screenshot or record

Phone number shown on screen Email address shown as sender Website link shown Where the link went Account name or profile Reference numbers shown

3. What you did

I replied to a message I clicked a link I opened an attachment I installed an app or allowed remote access I entered card details I entered a password or bank login I shared a one time code or PIN I shared personal details I was asked to buy gift cards I approved a payment I sent money

4. Money and transactions

Bank or card provider Amount Payment method Payee or recipient name shown Any new payee added Transaction reference Any bank alerts received

5. What you have done so far

Called the bank Bank actions taken Changed passwords Turned on two factor authentication Reported it somewhere

Important. Share screenshots, not live links. Do not share screenshots that include one time codes, PINs, or passwords.

If you want to report it

• If money is involved, your bank should advise the best next reporting step.
• If you believe a crime happened, report to your local Garda station and bring your evidence.

When you are steady again

• Check your accounts again later today for anything new.
• Tell a trusted person what happened.
• If you are unsure what type of scam this was, go to: 2-minute check or Scam types
• When you are ready, see: Prevent next time. Simple rules that work