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08 Sept 2025
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08 Sept 2025
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Locals are being warned of a scam involving an email purporting to be from the VHI.
A woman in Tullamore almost became a victim of the elaborate scam when she received the email which she believed was from the health provider stating ''We're getting in touch to let you know that your updated policy documents are available to view in MyVhi your online member portal.''
Another email said ''We look forward to taking care of you for another year. Your renewal documents are now available and you can view them anytime by logging into MyVhi, your online member portal.'' The woman didn't think this unusual as her renewal is due in August.
The email also encouraged her to download the VHI App which she tried to do, believing it would make it easier to access her information.
When she tried to log on, her email and password wouldn't work. She tried again and then began to insert a new password. She was subsequently sent a code to enter which she did.
When she finally got access a message read 'payment overdue' and the payment was for a hospital appointment and was for almost €2,000.
''I knew I didn't owe anything. But I had attended an appointment in Clane a few weeks previously and received an email from VHI to say they had paid x amount on my behalf.
At this stage the woman knew it was probably a scam. She deleted the emails, reported it as scam and blocked the email address.
The woman said the email addressed her by name and the scammers obviously had her email address which she found scary.
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In 2024 some VHI customers were targeted by scamers with an email saying they were owed money and to send their details to receive the sum involved.
On the VHI site it advises people that: ''Calls, SMS messages and emails are the most common methods used to scam us. The best protection is simply not to engage. Never provide your personal details or verify them without being sure of who the sender is.''
Stop and think before you do anything. Do not click or respond.
Verify the sender or caller. If they're claiming to be from Vhi, contact us directly using offical contact information. Generally, never use links or numbers provided in an email.
Call your bank if your financial details may have been compromised. Call Vhi, if you suspect your Vhi account has been affected.
Delete suspicious emails and block scam callers.
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