The Irish public is being warned over the latest slew of scams tricking people into handing over money - big or small - and personal information.
A huge number of scams reared their heads during the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and remote working fueling criminal activity, but it seems to be surging once again this festive season.
Phishing scams, which occur in the form of fraudulent texts and emails, have been on the rise with criminals impersonating the HSE, An Post, and other state organisations.
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The HSE advised that there has been a jump in the number of scam texts purporting to be from the health service.
Fraudsters are sending text messages telling people that they have been a close contact of someone with Covid-19 before being asked to purchase ‘mandatory’ antigen tests via a link.
The HSE is reminding the public that they will not charge or ask for payment for a Covid-19 test.
A HSE spokesperson told independent.ie: “There has been an increase in scam texts relating to the health services and Covid-19.
“We take these scams seriously and monitor the web for instances of scam websites purporting to offer HSE-related services.
“If we find a scam website or are notified of a scam by the public, we take action to get the site taken down immediately.
“Unfortunately it is very easy and quick for the criminals to set up a new site”.
Meanwhile, An Post is also experiencing an increase in the number of fraudulent texts containing fake links being sent to customers and is asking people to pay outstanding customs charges.
Anna McHugh, head of communications at An Post confirmed: “An Post will never send a text or a link for payment.
“Sometimes there are outstanding payments for Irish customs – but we will always ask you to pay that via the An Post website.
“Always double check. If it’s something with a link that starts asking you for your payment details, it’s not from us”.
She said that fraudsters send out thousands of these messages but that it only takes one vulnerable person to fall for it and make it worth the scammer's while.
“Take no action until you’re sure,” advised Ms McHugh.
“Do nothing – rather than doing something and worrying about it afterwards. Fraudsters thrive on panic or people rushing.
“They’re trying to force people into panicking and clicking on links to things.
"These scams come in waves – and we did a big campaign before Christmas, because we knew there would soon be another wave, as people are shopping online more and are expecting parcels. And sure enough there was”.
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