Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter because it is very important. Unfortunately, we will all know stories of people who have received text messages that drew them into a link that turned out to be fake and a scam. I urge people not to give their bank details to anybody, and the same is true of social protection. People should not give out their PPS number; the Department will not call people looking for that sort of information.

The Department is very proactive in this space, and flashes and alerts warn people about what they should not do. This conversation will highlight the fact people need to be aware. Crime has changed, unfortunately. Years ago, someone might have had her handbag stolen and that was the way it was done, whereas now criminals can steal from people through their phone, so we need to be so careful.

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