The Department of Social Protection has issued a warning about a dangerous phone scam.
The department has urged people to be aware of fraudulent phone calls and text messages seeking bank details and personal information.
These phone calls or messages claim that your personal information has been used as part of illegal activities.
The department has warned that they will never ask for personal bank details over the phone and will never seek personal information by text message.
The phone calls begin with an automated message claiming that your PPS Number has been used for fraudulent activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
The message then urges people to press ‘1’ to speak to an investigator.
In a statement, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “I want to alert people to a very sophisticated text and phone scam that is circulating at the moment with the sole purpose of stealing your personal bank details or your PPS number.
“Some of these calls and messages are from people claiming to be social welfare officials and they are not.”
The minister warns that: “The Department of Social Protection will never call you to ask you for your PPS number or your bank details.
“We need everyone to spread the word because people of all ages and from all walks of life are getting these calls on a daily basis.
“Please remember to keep your personal information safe and be fraud aware.”
The Department of Social Protection warns people not to engage with the caller and to not share any part of their PPS Number, bank account details, or any other personal information.
The department has warned if you have provided personal details to a caller that you believe to be a scam call or a scam text to contact the Gardaí immediately.
This is one of many warnings that the Department of Social Protection has issued in recent weeks concerning the fraudulent phone calls and text messages seeking personal information.
