PPS numbers - State could lose millions to fraud

THE total of compromised Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers has risen to 703, according to the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which is also investigating a further 409 numbers that it suspects were illegally obtained.

The whole thing could expose the state to millions of euro in fraud annually. People with bogus PPS numbers could theoretically obtain social welfare benefits and also acquire credit cards.

According to the department, 1,127 PPS numbers have been “improperly obtained” since the year 2000.