Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West and Party spokesperson on social protection Paul McAuliffe, has advised the public to exercise caution amid a surge in the number of scam messages circulating ahead of Christmas and called on phone companies to tackle such scams.
Deputy McAuliffe said, "In the run up to Christmas we are seeing an increase in the number of fraudulent phone calls, text messages, WhatsApp messages and emails claiming to be from various government agencies and departments, banks, delivery services and other businesses.
"I'm aware of one particular scam where the recipient is sent a text, purportedly from Gov.ie, in which they are advised that they are eligible for a discounted electricity bill under the Energy Support Scheme. With the advent of AI and advancements in security, surely phone companies have at their disposal the relevant tools to identify and block this and other potentially harmful text messages. They must do more to identify and block suspicious messages.
"Budget 2024 announced a series of additional payments in the coming weeks and months such as the electricity credits and lump sum payments for certain social welfare benefits such as the Living Alone Allowance and the Fuel Allowance.
"You do not need to apply for these additional payments. They will be automatically credited to your electricity account or paid automatically as part of your normal social welfare payment. Scam text messages and emails that tell you to apply are becoming increasingly common and it's important that we look out for one another and remind each other that these messages are not real.
"Staff from government departments and agencies will never ask for your bank details if they should have reason to call you over the phone and will never seek personal information from you by text message.''
The Fianna Fáil TD concluded by saying that if you think you have been, or are, a victim of a scam or fraud, report it immediately to the Gardaí and to the company or organisation that is related to the issue. They will be able to advise you on next steps if any are available.
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