Security and scams
Recognise suspicious messages and phishing
Learn the warning signs of fake payment links, account requests and marketplace impersonation.
Warning signs
- A buyer asks you to leave Local Ads immediately or use an unfamiliar payment link.
- Someone requests your password, card PIN, one-time code or full banking credentials.
- A message claims you must pay a fee to receive money.
- The sender creates urgency, refuses reasonable questions or uses a copied courier page.
- An email address or domain looks similar to Local Ads but is not localads.ie.
What to do
- 1Do not open the link or share information.
- 2Keep the conversation in Local Ads messages.
- 3Take screenshots and note the listing or username.
- 4Report the account or contact support.
- 5If banking information was shared, contact your bank immediately.
What Local Ads will never request
We will never ask for your password, complete card details, banking login, PIN or one-time security code in a marketplace message.
Common questions
Is a payment screenshot proof that I have been paid?
No. Check the balance and transaction inside your own banking app before handing over an item.
Should I continue on WhatsApp or text message?
Keeping early conversations in Local Ads provides a clearer record and makes suspicious activity easier to report.