James Cox
Gardaí, the HSE and the Department of Health have issued a warning after a number of people received fraudulent texts and phone calls regarding Covid-19 vaccination.
A number of people have recently received phone calls or text messages in which they are offered vaccinations.
However, the callers are then providing fraudulent vaccination dates and looking to extract sensitive personal details. The details requested include: the person’s name, PPS number, date of birth and address.
Text messages have also made requests for people to confirm private information such as PPS number, date of birth and address. The HSE will never text seeking such information.
Gardaí issued the following tips and advice to the public to spot these scams:
- The HSE will never text or call individuals to request payment for a Covid test or vaccine.
- Your local GP will be the first point of contact about vaccination.
- The Covid-19 vaccine is free, and it is not available privately.
- Never disclose private information over phone or via text message.
- Do not give out your PPS number to anyone who makes unsolicited contact with you whether by phone or email.
- The HSE will never text you and ask for your PPS number.
- The HSE will never text you to request your home address.
- Never give away personal data or disclose who you may live with or if you live alone.
- If you receive such a call, just hang up.
- Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to this scam should contact report the matter to their local Garda Station.
Gardaí appealed to people with vulnerable friends or relatives to share this information.
They also reminded people to questions about Covid tests or vaccination should be directed to the HSE.
