Gardaí and HSE issue warning over Covid-19 vaccine scams

Alan Loughnane

Contact vulnerable friends and family and make them aware of these scams.

An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Department of Health have issued a warning to the public about potential scams relating to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Gardaí said members of the public have reported receiving text messages in recent days regarding Covid-19 vaccinations.

The messages have requested personal information from recipients, including addresses, PPS numbers and dates of birth.

Gardaí have also received reports of people receiving calls requesting they make an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine at a named hospital.

However, the hospital is usually too far away from the person receiving the call and they’re not able to book at that location.

The caller is sometimes able to extract further personal information by finding out if the person lives alone or at their home address. The caller may then offer to vaccinate the person at their residence.

Gardaí have cautioned people to be aware these types of scams are out there and reminded the public the vaccine is free and not available privately.

The HSE will never text or call individuals requesting personal information and they will never request payment for a Covid test or vaccine.

Your local GP will be the first point of contact about vaccination or Covid testing and people are urged to make vulnerable friends and relatives aware of these scams.

Gardaí issued the following tips and advice for avoiding scams

Do not give out your PPS Number to anyone who makes unsolicited contact with you whether by phone or email. The HSE will never call or text you and ask for your PPS number.
The HSE will never call you to request your home address.
Never give away personal data or disclose who you may live with or if you live alone.
The HSE will never request payment for a Covid test or vaccine.
If you receive such a call, just hang up.
Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to this scam should contact report the matter to their local Garda Station.
If you have questions or concerns relating to Covid testing or vaccination, contact your local GP.