People applying for a Covid-19 travel passport are being warned they will "never be asked to pay" for it.
It follows a number of scam emails and texts now reported to be circulating, the Consumer Council said.
Those planning to travel outside of the UK must show proof in a number if countries that they have had both jabs of their coronavirus vaccine.
The vaccine certificate system in NI has suffered a number of issues but is currently accepting applications for those travelling abroad up to and including August 17.
The Consumer Council took to Twitter to say: "A number of scams texts and emails are circulating regarding Covid passports/certificates for travel.
"In Northern Ireland the only way to obtain a Covid Certificate is with the NI Direct website. You will never be asked to pay for this."
The certificates are available in digital format – via an app for your phone or a pdf file for printing.
If you cannot apply online, you can request a paper version by phone – but it may take up to 10 working days for the printed paper version to arrive.
The only place you can apply is: www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-certificate-ni-residents
DoH is currently asking that people do not apply now for travel after August 17 as they continue to prioritise requests.
Some applications have also been refused.
Reasons include:
- Fraudulent attempts to obtain a certificate (three individuals submitted 38 applications between them with false vaccination dates)
- People attempting to apply for a certificate less than 14 days following a second dose
- People entering a fraudulent date of second dose attempting to circumvent the 14 day rule
- People attempting to request a certificate having only had one dose of vaccine
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