We have no evidence that any scams have taken place as a result of the cyber-attack on the HSE. But scams and attempted fraud are very common. They can happen at any time.
Important
The HSE or your bank will never phone, text, email or video call 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.
Do not engage with anyone who contacts you saying that they have your PPS number.
If you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime, contact your local Garda station and take screenshots of texts, emails or other communications.
Some of the most common types of scams involve the use of fake emails, calls or texts pretending to be from real companies.
Common scams and fraud - garda.ie
How personal information is used in scams and fraud
When criminals get access to your personal information they may use it to:
- phone, email or text you
- pretend they are from a real company
- trick you into giving them more sensitive information, such as your bank details or passwords
If the criminal fraudster knows some of your account information, they may sound very convincing.
These types of attempted frauds and scams are known as 'phishing', 'vishing' or 'smishing'.
Phishing, vishing and smishing
Phishing is where criminals use fake emails or websites and pretend to be from real companies.
Vishing is where they use fake phone calls pretending to be from real companies.
Smishing is when they use fake text messages pretending to be from real companies.
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
Do
-
check the number on the HSE website if they say they are from the HSE. Call them back if you think the call may be genuine
-
save the phone numbers of people you know
-
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.
Don't
-
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
Do
-
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
-
change your online passwords to secure passwords - keep your passwords private
If you are unsure about a text message or a phone call from the HSE:
- look up the phone number for the health service that sent you the text and phone them to check if it is genuine, or
- phone HSELive on 1800 700 700
Bank details
Don't
-
do not share your online bank details or passwords with anyone
-
do not give any financial information unless you fully trust the person or company you are giving it to
Do
-
check your bank account activity regularly
-
report any suspicious or unfamiliar transactions on your bank account to your bank
-
keep your online bank details safe and secure
Someone has my personal information
If anyone contacts you and says that they have your personal, medical or financial 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 the email, text message or other communication for Gardaí
- contact your local Garda station