We take fraud prevention seriously at DoneDeal and have processes in place to help protect our users.
If something has gone wrong, the situation may fall into one of the following categories:
A potential criminal matter for An Garda Síochána
A civil dispute between you and the seller
A misunderstanding that can be resolved directly
If you’re unsure, contact DoneDeal support and we’ll guide you on next steps.
When to Contact An Garda Síochána
You should contact your local Gardaí if you:
Believe you have been defrauded
Suspect goods may be stolen
Believe an advert may involve illegal activity
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services. Otherwise, report the matter through your local Garda station.
Before Contacting the Gardaí
Not every issue involves fraud.
It may be a case where:
A seller is slow to respond
An item hasn’t arrived yet
There has been a breakdown in communication
In these situations, try to resolve the issue directly with the seller first.
Always exhaust reasonable communication options before escalating the matter.
How to Make a Garda Report
You can:
Visit your local Garda station in person, or
Call your local station using a non-emergency number
In many cases, reports can initially be taken over the phone and followed up later.
You can find contact details for Garda stations at:
www.garda.ie/stations
What Information Will Be Needed?
The Gardaí will require key details, including:
Date and time of the incident
Description of what occurred
Names, phone numbers or addresses exchanged
Screenshots or copies of messages
Payment details
If you communicated via DoneDeal’s message system, we may have logs — but you should also retain and print copies of all communications.
The more information you can provide, the easier it is for Gardaí to assess the situation.
What Happens Next?
Once reported, Gardaí will determine whether the matter is:
A criminal investigation
A civil dispute
For example:
Deliberately altering a car’s mileage is a crime.
Buying a car that later breaks down may be a civil dispute.
If It’s Treated as a Crime
If Gardaí open an investigation:
Obtain a crime reference number.
Keep it safe for future follow-up.
If required, Gardaí may contact DoneDeal directly. We cooperate fully and provide lawful assistance to support investigations.
If It’s a Civil Matter
If Gardaí determine there was no criminal intent, you may be advised to pursue recovery through the civil courts.
In many cases, this may involve the Small Claims Court.
More information is available via the Courts Service website.
DoneDeal & An Garda Síochána
We work closely with An Garda Síochána and other authorities to help keep our community safe.
Where legally required and appropriate:
We provide assistance free of charge to Gardaí
We supply relevant data in line with privacy laws
We support criminal investigations
We are committed to maintaining a safe marketplace.
Will Someone Be Arrested?
It’s important to understand:
Not every report results in an arrest
Gardaí must meet a high burden of proof
The Director of Public Prosecutions ultimately decides whether a case proceeds to court
An investigation outcome depends on the evidence available.
Learn More About Your Rights
For additional guidance, you may find these resources helpful:
Citizens Information
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
Small Claims Court
Director of Public Prosecutions
We also recommend reviewing our safety section before buying or selling.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.