The Department of Social Protection is warning people to be vigilant of scam text messages purporting to be from 'GOV IE' telling them they are eligible for a reduced electricity bill.
Officials fear some people may confuse the scam attempts with legitimate financial assistance schemes available to those affected by Storm Chandra.
One of the text-message scams seen by RTÉ News states: "You qualify for a reduced electricity bill through the Emergency Benefit Scheme."
The message also provides a fraudulent link for people to click on.
The Department has confirmed the message is a scam.
There is currently no "Emergency Benefit Scheme" in operation, however, energy credits given to households in recent years to help them with the high cost of energy prices were administered under the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme.
Anyone is advised not to click on these links and to only access information on such supports from legitimate sources such as gov.ie.
Earlier this week, the Department of Social Protection announced the Emergency Response Payment (formerly the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme) is available to provide support to people living in properties directly affected by Storm Chandra following severe weather conditions.
The Emergency Response Payment offers income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
