The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) issued a warning over a fake text message about Covid tests and vaccine appointments in Ireland. The messages are claimed to be from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and contain a link to book Covid tests or vaccination appointments.
The URL seems to be legitimate as it is identical to the official HSE website. But if you click the link, you will be redirected to a scam website where the fraudsters ask your PPS number and other personal details. Later they even ask you to pay for Covid test or vaccination using credit or debit cards.
In light of this, the HSE made it clear that there is no need to pay any amount for tests or vaccine under the HSE programmes. Also, if you are getting these types of messages make sure you do not click the link and just delete the message without second thoughts. For any information about Covid tests and vaccination you can use the official HSE website that is www.hse.ie.