Gardai have warned the public to be aware of a new 'smishing' scam related to Covid-19.
The scammers impersonate the HSE and send fraudulent text messages claiming that the person is a close contact. These scam messages usually contain a link to order tests.
Officers on the Meath Crime Prevention page have issued a warning in recent days about the new scam, reminding the public that the HSE will "never text or call individuals requesting personal information and they will never request payment for a Covid-19 antigen test".
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Gardai are warning the public to never click on the link in the fake text, as this may allow the scammers to hack into your phone and steal private information.
People are also advised to never disclose private information over the phone or through text messages. Gardai say that if people mistakenly provides personal information in response to such scams, they should immediately contact their financial institution and their local garda station.
Officers have also appealed to the public to "make contact with any vulnerable friends or family to make them aware of these calls and text messages".
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