A warning has been issued over a new scam that leads people to hand over bank details in return for a "COVID-19 payment".
The message, which comes from an email address similar to that of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, urges users to click on a link.
They are then asked to enter bank details and personal information.
Users are being warned that they will never be asked for such personal information via an email link or phone call and that emails from the Department come from support@mywelfare.ie and not .com.
They said: "The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has become aware that some members of the public have received emails from support@mywelfare.com telling them that they are entitled to the Covid-19 payment and to click on a link provided which is mywelfare-ireland.com.
"Please do not click on the link or reply to the email.
"The Department wishes to advise customers and the public that this email message is a scam and the link and email address has nothing to do with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
"The Department wants to ensure that our customers and the public are made aware of this scam activity and that they keep their bank and other financial account information safe.
"Anyone who thinks they provided personal information in response to these fraudulent messages should contact their bank immediately."
