Warning over latest phone scam

The department is asking people not to click on or reply to links which appear suspicious.

The Department of Social Protection is alerting people to scam phone calls and scam mobile phone text messages.

The latest scam text messages contain a link for the recipient to claim a payment of €350. The fraudsters rely on the fact that some people may click on the link and then provide their confidential social welfare information.

The department is asking people not to click on or reply to links which appear suspicious.

In addition, scam phone calls continue to be made claiming to be from an official of the Department of Social Protection and can come from a range of phone numbers, one of which is the Department's helpline number 1890 800 024.

The Department is currently not engaged in contacting customers or members of the public through its helpline number.

“If you have received such a call from this number please report it to the Gardaí immediately. The Department of Social Protection’s staff will never ask you for your Bank details if they should have reason to call you over the phone,” said a department spokesperson.

“These are sophisticated scams. We urge our customers to be extremely cautious if they receive a call or a text message and to ensure that they are using official Departmental websites.”