PPS numbers stolen by criminals used to make fraudulent pandemic welfare claims Over 20 gardaí are working to stop the fraud. By Garreth MacNamee Thursday 11 Mar 2021, 6:15 AM Mar 11th 2021, 6:15 AM 22,708 Views 12 Comments Image: Shutterstock/Syda Productions Image: Shutterstock/Syda Productions MEMBERS OF THE public are having their PPS numbers stolen to facilitate pandemic payment fraud, it has emerged. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) confirmed that gardaí seconded to its department are working on cases of fraud which amount to nearly €200k being stolen from the State. Several places of employment have been affected by the scam with some victims only realising what has happened when they viewed their latest tax certificates from Revenue.