Government issues statement about fraudulent Covid-19 payment text messages

James Fenton

The government has issued a statement after members of the public received fraudulent text messages saying that they are entitled to a Covid-19 payment.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has warned the public that ‘these texts are not from the Department’ and added ‘please do not click on the link or reply to the text.’

The statement, issued this afternoon, reads as follows:

‘The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has become aware that some members of the public have received text messages on their mobile phones from an unknown number telling them that they are entitled to the Covid-19 payment and to click on a link provided which is socialwelfareireland. When the person clicks on the link, they are then asked to provide their bank account details.

The Department is aware that some people have received fraudulent texts stating they're entitled to a #COVID19 Payment.

These texts are not from the Department. Please do not click on the link or reply to the text.

More info here: https://t.co/MDTE0uVD0O #SCAM #COVID19ireland pic.twitter.com/ASl2JiszZu

— Department of Social Protection (@welfare_ie) June 17, 2020

‘The Department wishes to advise customers and the public that this text message is a scam and the link has nothing to do with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Please do not click on the link or reply to the text.

‘The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection wishes to make it absolutely clear that we NEVER request bank account or other Financial institution account details from our customers by phone or on social media.Neither do we clarify or check this information over the phone.

‘Bank account information is only accepted as part of a written application to the Department.

The Department wants to ensure that our customers and the public are made aware of this scam activity and that they keep their bank and other financial account information safe.

Anyone who thinks they provided personal information in response to these fraudulent text messages should contact their bank immediately.’

A similar warning was issued last month. The Covid-19 payment was set up in March for those who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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