The national consumer watchdog has warned internet users about a number of online scams impersonating Dublin Zoo through social media posts and fraudulent website links.
According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the imposter social media posts typically feature fake Dublin Zoo-branded images or videos, with some offering free gifts or free back-to-school packs and asking consumers to pay €2-€3 in postage fees.
The CCPC issued an alert after Dublin Zoo brought the scams to its attention.
According to the zoo, people who have entered their payment or card details through an unfamiliar link or competition are advised to contact their bank to freeze or cancel their card immediately.
It added that Dublin Zoo would never ask for credit card, debit card, or bank details for a competition or a giveaway prize and that approved giveaways and offers are only advertised via Dublin Zoo’s official social media accounts.
It identified dublinzoo.net (including dublinzoo.net/book-tickets/) as a fraudulent website, describing it as a “sophisticated clone” that is not affiliated with Dublin Zoo.
The zoo warned customers not to buy tickets, browse, or enter card details on this domain as it operates a “fake booking engine designed to harvest payment card details”.
Director of Communications for the CCPC Aoibhín de Búrca said that scammers are “getting smarter every day”.
“They are taking advantage of busy consumers and using established businesses with recognisable branding to create fake social media ads and clone websites.
“We know it is getting harder to spot scams online, which is why pausing before you hit pay is more important than ever. Do not click on social media ads directly or enter payment details without doing a thorough search to make sure you’re on an authentic website. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Ms de Búrca said.