Avoiding scams or attempted fraud

We have no evidence that any scams have taken place as a result of the cyber-attack on the HSE in May 2021. But scams and attempted fraud are very common. They can happen at any time.

Tusla will never phone, text, email or video call you unexpectedly asking for your bank details or other financial information. Never give your bank details, passwords or personal details if it seems a bit odd or out of the blue.

Do not engage with anyone who contacts you saying that they have your PPS number or any other personal information.

If you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime, inform your local Garda station and take screenshots or make records of texts, emails or other communications.

Common scams and fraud

Some of the most common types of scams involve the use of fake emails, calls or texts pretending to be from real companies.

The Garda website contains information on common scams or fraud

The National Cyber Security Centre provide information and guidance at www.ncsc.gov.ie/guidance.

Phishing, vishing and smishing

Criminals may use your personal, medical or financial information to contact you by email, phone or text message and trick you into giving them other information, such as your passwords. This is known as 'phishing', 'vishing' or 'smishing'.

Because the criminals may know some of your information, the fraudster may sound very convincing.

Tusla or your bank will never phone, text or email you unexpectedly asking for your bank details. Never give your bank details, passwords or personal details if it seems a bit odd or out of the blue.

Phishing is a type of online fraud using fake emails or websites pretending to be from real companies.

Vishing is a type of fraud that uses fake phone calls pretending to be from real companies.

Smishing is a type of fraud that uses fake text messages pretending to be from real companies.

Protect yourself from scams or fraud

Phone calls

Be careful of suspicious phone calls.

Don't

do not talk with the caller if you are suspicious of them, hang up
do not give any personal details
do not give your bank account details or card information
do not call the same number back after hanging up
do not call back a number you do not recognise - a genuine caller will call you back or leave a voicemail

contact your local Garda station if you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime

Texts or emails

Be careful of texts or emails that ask for personal details or ask you to click a link. If you are unsure about a text message or a phone call from Tusla, please remember that no text or email from Tusla will ask you for your personal information.

do not click on any suspicious links in emails or text messages
do not respond to suspicious messages that direct you to send money or change your bank details
do not share content from untrusted sources on social media - this can create fear among people

take a screenshot of any suspicious email or text message so that you have a record of it
contact your local Garda station if you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime
use secure online passwords and keep your passwords private

Someone has my personal information

If anyone says that that they have your personal, medical or financial information or bank account details:

do not engage with them
do not give them any personal information
do not click on any links in emails or text messages

The simplest thing to do is to ignore them or hang up.

If you are unsure if the contact is genuine, hang up. Find the contact details yourself of the organisation they claim to be calling from and contact them directly.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or a scam:

screenshot or make records of the email, text message or other communication for Gardaí
contact your local Garda station