Shoppers warned of Black Friday scams and to be aware of Vat on goods outside EU

Bank of Ireland's head of fraud, Nicola Sadlier, said: 'It’s only natural that consumers will be on the lookout to snap up the latest bargains over the coming weeks, but our advice continues to be that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.' File photo

Consumers have been warned to be aware of scams heading into the busy shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and also to be wary of additional Vat or customs duty if buying from outside the EU.

Bank of Ireland said as purchasing reaches peak levels in the weeks ahead, fraudsters aim to take advantage of increased online retail traffic by targeting key gifting categories of electronics, beauty products, and clothing.

“With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas fast approaching, fraudsters will be redoubling their efforts to target people,” the bank’s head of fraud Nicola Sadlier said.

“It’s only natural that consumers will be on the lookout to snap up the latest bargains over the coming weeks, but our advice continues to be that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

“The 47% rise in purchase scams in the first half of this year underlines the need for people to stay vigilant, to buy from trusted outlets and websites, and to avoid complacency when shopping online or in person.” 

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

The bank said fraudsters are highly skilled at creating fake websites that appear genuine, that show the latest “styles” at “keen prices” to try to lure people into making purchases at so-called giveaway rates.

Once people make a “purchase”, the seller cuts off all contact, the products never arrive, and the scam is complete.

Bank of Ireland urged consumers to beware of pop-up adverts on social media feeds or adverts about online marketplaces, to go directly to the online shopping site by typing the address into the web browser.

It also told people to avoid links in unsolicited emails or on social media, and to use credit or debit cards as they can give additional protection such as chargeback claims.

Vat and customs duties

Separately, Revenue has told consumers to ensure they don’t fall foul of additional Vat or customs duties when making purchases this Christmas.

“We are again reminding consumers that when buying goods online from outside the EU, including from the UK (excluding Northern Ireland), additional costs can arise before your goods are delivered,” its south-east frontier management branch head Maureen Dalton said.

“Customs formalities apply, and Vat is chargeable on all goods imported into Ireland, regardless of their value.” 

Ms Dalton explained that even small online purchases may be liable for extra charges.

She added: “For example, if you buy a Christmas decoration online for €15 from a non-EU country, and the postage is €3.50, Vat at 23% will apply to the combined amount, resulting in €4.26 Vat to be paid before delivery. 

“Import Vat is payable on all goods arriving into Ireland from outside the EU, no matter how small the purchase. For example, a pair of runners purchased from the UK for €250, with €12 shipping, could attract an additional €84.86 in customs duty and Vat.”