Intended victims are asked for their name, PPS number and in some cases, bank account details.
The Department of Social Protection has issued a warning to the public over a “sophisticated” phone scam doing the rounds.
It says it has become aware that some members of the public have received phone calls on their mobiles purporting to be from a named official of the department.
The member of the public is then informed that their PPS number is compromised.
They are asked to provide or verify their name, PPS number and in some cases, their bank account details.
In a statement, the Department of Social Protection warned: “This is a sophisticated scam. We urge our customers not to engage with these callers, not to return calls to these numbers and not to share any personal information with the callers.
“If a person is in any doubt, they should take the caller’s name and phone the department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).”
The department also reminded people who are managing social welfare applications online to ensure they are using official departmental websites.
It added: “The Department wishes to make it absolutely clear that we NEVER request bank account or other financial institution account details from our customers by phone or SMS.”
You can read the department’s warning in full here.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
