New scam sees criminals pretend to be from Department of Social Protection

Scammers are contacting members of the public claiming to be from the Department of Social Protection and extracting personal details from them, gardaí have warned.

Gardaí say the victims of the scam are told by the criminal claim to be from the Department that their PPS number has been compromised.

The person receiving the call is then requested to verify their name, PPS number, and, in some cases, bank account details. This personal data will then be used by the persons calling for fraudulent purposes.

Gardaí would like to advise members of the public to be wary of such calls and:

• Do not engage with the caller or return the call;

• Never share personal information data with such callers or with people who make contact by text;

• 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;

• A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee 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.

The warning has come from both Gardaí and Department of Social Protection.