The public has been warned about scammers trying to take advantage of the HSE contact tracing system.
The HSE has warned people to be vigilant about a phone and text scam that claims to be contact tracing staff and then attempts to take payment for a testing kit.
But there is no charge to be tested for COVID-19 by the HSE in Ireland and you will never be asked for payment for testing.
In a statement, the HSE said: "The HSE is urging the public to be vigilant in light of reports of a telephone/text scam from criminals claiming to be HSE contact tracing and testing staff.
"The fraudulent calls and text messages claim that the person has been identified as a close contact of someone who has Covid-19 and ask for money for a testing kit to be sent to them and for bank details.
"The HSE does not charge the public for Covid-19 related services, including testing, and such texts and calls should be ignored."
If the Covid-19 Tracker App has identified you as a close contact you will see a red box with the advice on what you should do next on all pages of the app.
If you are concerned or suspicious about any contact you have received regarding Covid-19 testing, please ring HSELive on 1850 24 1850 and contact your local Gardaí.
