There’s a new text message scam doing the rounds in Ireland – and it is all based around the Energy Credits announced in Budget 25.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly warned that more and more people are getting scam text messages that claim to be from the Government.
She said the latest scam relates to Budget 25 energy credits.
“The texts read, “Gov IE – You’re eligible for a discounted electricity bill under the emergency benefits scheme,” she said.
She noted that the texts ask people to follow a hyperlink, where they are asked to enter their bank details.
She said the texts are quite convincing and can be hard for people to turn down.
Smart Scammers
"What struck me about this one is that it shows how clever the scammers are because they're marrying two things together," said Jess.
"They’re marrying people’s want for a bit of money alongside a similar sort of announcement that does actually exist – but when you click through to that URL, you’re brought to a website looking for your bank details, and if you input your bank details, you are going to lose money."
Jess said a lot of people have been asking her how to spot the scam in a message like this.
Difficult to decipher
"Unfortunately, it is very, very difficult to decipher the real from the fake when you’re under pressure and when you want something," said Jess. "When it comes to something saying that you are due money back or you owe money.”
“What you need to do is read the URL, or the website, very, very clearly – look for typos.
View this post on Instagram
“Maybe I’m one of the few people who would know this, but you know the Irish Government's websites don’t end in dot com, that’s just one of the things."
No links
She said it is unlikely that any service provider would send customers a click through link to their phone.
"If you are expecting a delivery, or if you’re expecting some form of contact from a service provider, go to the website directly – don’t click on a link – and log in that way," Jess said.
"If you’re still not sure please pick up the phone and call them. Yes, you’ll have to dance around automated menus and be on hold – but it’ll save you money."
Designed to get you
Finally, Jess urged people not to feel embarrassed or ashamed if they fall for one of these scams.
"There’s no shame in this,” she said.
“We had this conversation with Andrea Gilligan a few weeks ago when she was locked out of her WhatsApp - the reason these scams are still happening is because they work.
“They are designed to get you, so don’t feel bad; there’s no shame, there’s no embarrassment – get on to your bank straight away and cancel your cards.”
She said your bank may even be able to cancel the transaction.
A mobile payment with a smartphone in April 2019. Picture by: Tero Vesalainen / Alamy Stock Photo
