The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) are warning the public of a recent text message scam by fraudsters posing to be HSE employees.
The scammers are sending messages to the public advising them to book an appointment for a Covid-19 test through a link on the text.
Once the person clicks on the link they will be brought to a cloned website where the fraudsters will seek their personal information, including their PPS number and payment for the Covid-19 test or vaccine.
The links can appear as almost identical to authentic HSE links but sometimes they are misspelled.
Gardai are warning the public to remember that "the HSE will never look for payment for Covid-19 tests or vaccinations and the public should be wary of such text messages."
Other "smishing" texts sent out by fraudsters pretend to be from "service providers, revenue, banks and/or delivery businesses."
An Garda Siochana has issued advice to the public on how to deal with "smishing" attempts.
They said: "Never click on a link of an unsolicited text, email or respond to cold callers seeking personal information.
"Do not use reply or call the number supplied by these texts. Never give away personal data like PIN number, card numbers, passwords, one time codes, PPS numbers.
"The HSE will never text you seeking payment for Covid-19 tests or vaccines. If you have responded to such a text or paid the scammers, contact your bank immediately for a recall.
"It is also important to report the matter to your local Garda Station."
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