Gardai have issued an urgent warning over a simple scam that has been catching people out.
People are receiving fraudulent calls from a person posing to be a named official of the Department of Social Protection.
According to gardai, the person receiving the call is then asked to verify their name, PPS number, and in some cases, their bank account details.
This personal data will then be used by the persons calling for fraudulent purposes.
Gardaí are advising members of the public to be wary of such calls and to not engage with the caller or return the call.
They are also reminding citizens to never share personal information data with such callers or with people who make contact via text message.
A spokesman said: "A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never request bank account details or personal data in a cold call or text, and they would never advise a member of the public to move money from their account or to purchase cryptocurrency or move their money anywhere to keep it safe.
"If a member of the public believes they have received such a phone call or text, they are advised to contact their bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
"They are also advised to take a note of the number and report the matter to their local Garda Station."
