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PEOPLE HAVE BEEN asked to be aware of possible scam text messages and phone calls relating to the Covid-19 vaccine.
An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Department of Health issued the joint advice today – emphasising that your GP will be the first point of contact for a vaccine, and that it is free.
In recent days, Gardaí said that it was made aware of members of the public having received “fraudulent” text messages and calls regarding Covid vaccination.
The text messages have made requests for people to confirm personal information such as PPS Number, date of birth and address.
Other people have received phone calls requesting they make an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine jab at a random hospital. In most cases, the person receiving the call will say they are not in a position to travel to the hospital.
This allows the caller to extract further personal details.
Some individuals might confirm that they live alone or reveal their home address. The caller will then offer to come to their residence to administer a vaccine.
The HSE will never text or call individuals requesting personal information and they will never request payment for a Covid-19 test or vaccine.
The Covid-19 vaccine is free and it is not available privately.
Your local GP will be the first point of contact about vaccination or Covid testing, Gardaí said today.
“We would ask that members of the public make contact with any vulnerable friends or family to make them aware of these calls and text messages.”
Gardaí issued the following tips and advice:
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A lot of people will fall for this particularly those not very tech savvy and of the older generation. Look out for your elders, warn them but don’t scare them and make sure they don’t respond to a message like these.
@Gary Mullen: lol, I got the call this morning. Very efficient /educated person called. It is scary to know that people can be a victim of fraudulent people like them.
Kept him on hold, laughing, traced his IP, located, based in Ireland. Their ISP has closed their account now but how many others will reappear
@Paul Somers: you were lucky. I know if they called some members of my family (older realitives in their 80′s) would not be so lucky. Fair play to you. Unfortunately people like this will set up many accounts. And it’s terrible how they are taking advantage of people at this time or any time for that matter.
People warned of scam text messages and calls about covid vaccines being unavailable and not even existing.
@Robert Clifford: You could always apply to Pfizer for a licence to reproduce their vaccine and then set up a manufacturing plant to produce it. Sarcastic whinging won’t help increase vaccine supply, but getting proactive might.
I fell for it and got €500 taken off me
I’ve had a lady ask me for my mother‘s maiden name?! Is that normal??
And to confirm my address again. I let her read it out to me. I am so wary about those calls. :(
I fell for it and got €500 taken off me
A needle in a haystack
I’ve had a lady ask me for my mother‘s maiden name?! Is that normal??
have your say