Donegal people are being advised to be aware of a scam Covid-19 text that has been doing the rounds in recent days.
The text message, purporting to be from the HSE, has been sent to people saying they have been in contact with someone who has Covid 19 variant.
The text asks the person to follow instructions on a link in the text to order a testing kit. The link reportedly leads to a page where the person must pay for delivery of the test. People have been warned not to give away their billing and personal information to this site.
An example of the suspected ‘smishing’ scam text
The HSE does not charge the public for Covid-19 related services, including testing, and such texts and calls should be ignored.
A warning from the HSE said: “Any close contacts of a confirmed positive case of Covid-19 will be contacted by phone call by the Contact Tracing Team or Public Health Staff in the HSE and referred for a test. The HSE does not charge or ask for payment for testing.
“If the Covid-19 Tracker App has identified you as a close contact you will see a red box with the advice on what you should do next on all pages of the app.
“You will NEVER be asked for your bank details or to pay for testing by a member of HSE contact tracing staff.
“If you are concerned or suspicious about any contact you have received regarding Covid-19 testing, please ring HSELive on 1850 24 1850 and contact your local Gardaí.”
