Public Urged Not To Pay Money In Advance Of Loans Being Drawn Down

The National Economic Crime Bureau says 'Advanced Fee Fraud' is targeting vulnerable people who are looking for loans in the lead up to Christmas.

Gardai say people who are struggling financially and have had loan applications rejected are being lured by websites offering loans with very few questions asked.

These websites claim to be regulated by the Central Bank, which they aren't.

They'll ask for a fee up front, but then take the cash and provide no loans which were initially promised.

Anyone who wants to check if a company is regulated by the Central Bank can do so by going to registers dot Central Bank dot ie