It is the second scam in the past week the department has warned about.
The Department of Social Protection has issued a warning to the public not to fall prey to a “sophisticated” text scam doing rounds.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department revealed that the scam text messages purport to contain a link for the recipient to claim a payment of €350.
The department wrote: “The fraudsters rely on the fact that some people may click on the link and then provide their confidential social welfare information.”
It urged people not to click on or reply to links that appear suspicious.
JOE reported last week that the department had issued a warning to the public over a phone scam in which some members of the public received phone calls on their mobiles purporting to be from a named official of the department.
The Department of Social Protection on Tuesday said these scam phone calls continue to be made and can come from a range of phone numbers, one of which is the department’s helpline number 1890 800 024.
On this, it said: “The department is currently not engaged in contacting customers or members of the public through its helpline number.
“The number is available for customers to contact the department for assistance. Please do not engage with these calls or share any personal information with the callers.”
Those who have received such a call from the number are asked to report it to the gardaí immediately.
The Department of Social Protection also said its staff will never ask a person for their bank details if they should have a reason to call.
Its statement added: “These are sophisticated scams. We urge our customers to be extremely cautious if they receive a call or a text message and to ensure that they are using official departmental websites.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
