The HSE has issued a warning about a contact tracing scam that is circulating at the moment.

A number of people have received fraudulent calls and texts claiming that they have been identified as a close contact of someone who has COVID-19. They have then been asked for their bank details to pay for a testing kit.

The HSE does not charge the public for COVID-19 services, including testing. It has advised people to ignore these messages.

"You will never be asked for your bank details or to pay for testing by a member of HSE contact tracing staff. If you are concerned or suspicious about any contact you have received regarding COVID-19 testing, please ring HSELive on 1850 24 1850 and contact your local Gardaí," the HSE said.

It added that if people are identified as a close contact on the COVID-19 Tracker app, they will see a red box with advice on what they should do next on all pages of the app.

For more information on the COVID-19 Tracker app, click here.