Both the Gardai and the Department of Social Protection have urged the public to be aware of a scam that's currently being done by fraudsters.
Scammers are making bogus phone calls and sending scam text messages to individuals whereby they're pretending to be an official of the Department. These calls and texts display a range of numbers.
Any person who receives such a call or text is asked to report it to the Gardaí immediately.
In a statement, the Gardai have said that they're, "aware people have been receiving calls and texts like this from persons saying they are a named official of the Department of Social Protection. Gardaí or personnel from the Department of Social Protection will never contact you through calls or text asking for your personal information.
"If you or someone you know has received such a phone call or text, we would advise you to contact your bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday), as well as your l ocal Garda Station."
In recent days, this particular scam escalated to such a level that the Department of Social Protection also had to issue a warning when announcing this week's update on the PUP scheme.
Similar to the Gardai's statement, a spokesperson for the Department states: "Customers and members of the public are reminded about scam phone calls and scam text messages they may receive from individuals purporting to be an official of the Department. These calls and texts display a range of numbers.
"Any person who receives such a call or text is asked to report it to the Gardaí immediately."
