Gardaí in Donegal are warning people to beware of fake Covid-19 close contact alerts, issued as part of a ‘smishing’ scam.
The texts, purporting to be from the HSE, tell a person that they have been a close contact with someone who has contracted the Omicron variant.
The message asks a person to contact a malicious website to order a PCR test and kit.
The link directs to a website that is a clone of the HSE website. A ‘Book Now’ section leads to a page seeking personal details and a payment of €2.39 to deliver an alleged test kit.
“That is only to get your bank details,” said Garda Niall Maguire.
Gardaí are advising the public:
• Be wary of any such texts.
• The HSE will never seek any form of payment for providing Covid tests, testing kits or vaccinations.
• Never give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers and passwords
• If you have been a victim and lost money, immediately contact your bank to do a recall and always report the matter to the Gardaí.
