The Department of Social Protection has issued a warning to the public about scam text messages claiming to offer reduced electricity bills. The messages, which appear to come from “GOV IE,” are fraudulent and include links that could compromise personal information.
Officials expressed concern that some recipients may confuse the scam with genuine government assistance programs, particularly those available to households affected by Storm Chandra. One of the messages seen by RTÉ News reads: “You qualify for a reduced electricity bill through the Emergency Benefit Scheme,” and directs recipients to a fraudulent website.
The Department confirmed that no such “Emergency Benefit Scheme” currently exists. While households in previous years received energy credits under the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme to help manage high energy prices, this program is not related to the recent text messages.
Authorities are urging people not to click on links from unsolicited messages and to access information on financial supports only through legitimate sources, including the official government website gov.ie.
The warning comes shortly after the Department launched the Emergency Response Payment to assist residents affected by Storm Chandra. The payment, formerly known as the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, provides income-tested financial support for those whose homes have suffered damage due to flooding or other severe weather events. The scheme is intended to help cover essential needs, household items, and costs associated with structural repairs.
A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said, “We are aware of these scam attempts and want to ensure the public knows that no text message can replace official channels for accessing government assistance. People should always verify supports through gov.ie or by contacting their local offices.”
The Department’s advice comes amid rising concerns over digital scams targeting vulnerable households. With severe weather events becoming more frequent, officials stressed the importance of vigilance. “People directly affected by Storm Chandra may be particularly worried about their homes and expenses,” the spokesperson added. “We want to make sure they don’t fall victim to fraudulent messages offering non-existent schemes.”
Recipients of suspicious messages are encouraged to report them to the Department and to forward details to official reporting platforms. The Department also recommends updating mobile security settings and avoiding sharing personal or banking information through links in unsolicited messages.
The Emergency Response Payment remains available to eligible households affected by the storm. Applications can be made through official government channels, and the Department continues to provide guidance and support for those navigating the application process.
Officials reiterated that any government assistance related to energy costs or storm recovery is administered through formal schemes and that messages claiming otherwise should be treated as scams.
