Do not engage with the caller.

That’s the advice from the Gardaí and the Department of Social Protection this morning as officials issued a warning about a new phone scam duping unsuspecting victims into handing over their personal information.

“Gardaí are aware of a recent scam where members of the public have been receiving phone calls and texts from persons fraudulently advising they are a named official of the Department of Social Protection and being advised their PPS number has been compromised.” said a Garda spokesperson.

“The person receiving the call is then requested to verify their name, PPS number, and, in some cases, bank account details. This personal data will then be used by the persons calling for fraudulent purposes.”

Gardaí advised members of the public not to engage with the caller or return the call and never share personal information data with callers or with people who make contact by text.

“A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never request bank account details or personal data in a cold call or text.” the spokesperson added.

“A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never advise a member of the public to move money from their account or to purchase cryptocurrency or move their money anywhere to keep it safe.”

If you have received a dodgy call or text, contact your bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday) or take a note of the number and report the matter to your local Garda station.