By Kenneth Fox
Gardaí and the Department of Social Protection said they are aware of a scam where people receive phone calls and texts from people fraudulently saying they are from the Department of Social Protection and their PPS number has been compromised.
They said the person receiving the call is then requested to verify their name, PPS number, and, in some cases, bank account details. Their personal data will then be used by the persons calling for fraudulent purposes.
Brendan Roche is Crime Prevention Sergeant with the Waterford Division.
He says that people should never give away their personal details to organisations who contact them:
"What we would say to people is that your bank will never contact you in relation to your bank account details. Revenue will also never contact you in relation to your PPS.
"All of those organisations will deal with you in a professional manner, so don't release any information.
"If you don't give out information over the phone to these people, they cannot access your account. So that's the simple message - don't give out the information and they won't be able to access or control your account."
Gardaí and the Department of Social Protection say that if a member of the public believes they have received such a phone call or text, they are advised to contact their bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
They are also advised to take a note of the number and report the matter to their local Garda Station.
