Gardai have issued a warning to alert the public of a 'smishing' scam that is circulating recently in relation to the HSE.
The public is urged to be aware and is advised that the HSE do not seek any form of payment for providing Covid tests or testing kits.
The scam is highly sophisticated and as part of this scam, a person will receive a text message appearing on their phone as purporting to be from the HSE.
As part of the scam, people will receive a message that states: “You have been in close contact with someone who has contracted the Omicron Variant.” The message asks people to visit a malicious website to order a PCR testing Kit.
They will then be asked to click the link that directs them to a website that looks legitimate and is similar to the HSE website.”
They are then presented with an information page, which has a Booking option at the end.
If they select “Book Now”, they will be directed to a personal details page that asks them to fill in their private information and select “Continue”, it will take them to the next page.
This page will say “We require a payment of €2.29 to deliver your test order kit” and will ask for billing information.
Gardai issued key advice to the public to avoid falling victim to the clever scam.
Advice to the public is as follows:
- Be wary of any such texts
- The HSE will never seek any form of payment for providing Covid tests, testing kits or vaccinations.
- Never give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers and passwords.
- If you have been a victim and lost money, immediately contact your bank to do a recall and always report the matter to the Gardaí.
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