Gardai warn of Covid test and vaccination text scam

A WARNING has been issued about a text message scam, which involves people receiving a text purporting to be from the HSE about booking a Covid-19 test or vaccination.

Gardai at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) are warning the public of a recent text message (smishing) scam where people are receiving text messages purporting to be from the HSE.

The scam text advises people to book an appointment for a Covid-19 test through a link on the text.

Once the person clicks on the link they will be brought to a cloned website where the fraudsters seek personal information, including PPS number and payment for the Covid-19 test or vaccine.

According to gardai, in most instances the supplied links look very similar to the authentic HSE URL but may be misspelled.

Example of a scam text message. Note the misspelling of the URL. (Image: An Garda Siochana)

In a warning issued today, a Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai would like to again remind the public that the HSE will never look for payment for Covid-19 tests or vaccinations and the public should be wary of such text messages.

“There are also other ‘smishing’ texts being received and these can purport to be from service providers, revenue, banks and/or delivery businesses.

“Some can fit into the threads of previously received genuine texts which adds an air of authenticity to them.”

An Garda Síochána has issued the following advice –

Never click on a link of an unsolicited text, email or respond to cold callers seeking personal information.

Do not use reply or call the number supplied by these texts.

Never give away personal data like PIN number, card numbers, passwords, one-time codes, PPS numbers

The HSE will never text you seeking payment for Covid-19 tests or vaccines

If you have responded to such a text or paid the scammers, contact your bank immediately for a recall.

It is also important to report the matter to your local Garda Station.