A WARNING HAS been issued over scammers purporting to be contacting people about their medical cards.

The HSE says there has been an increase in reported scam texts relating to its services, specifically texts seeking payment for medical card renewal.

“HSE services do not ask for payment by SMS,” a spokesperson said.

“The HSE take these scams seriously and monitor the web for instances of scam websites purporting to offer HSE-related services. If we find a scam website or are notified of a scam from the public, we take action to try to get the site taken down.”

The HSE urged people to stay vigilant when receiving texts asking for money or personal information.

Never give your bank details or PIN to someone over the phone or online.

If a member of the public suspects a text they received is a scam, they can ring HSELive on 1800 700 700.

They should also contact gardaí about suspected fraud.

Screenshot the email, text message or other communication for gardaí to look at.

The HSE has also asked people to contact any vulnerable friends or family to make them aware that these calls and text messages are going around.