SMS messages and websites that appear to be official communications from the National Health Service (SNS) are being used to deceive citizens and demand payments that do not exist. The scheme, which abusively uses the name of the SNS, SNS 24 and the Ministry of Health, has already led authorities to issue a public alert, at a time when fraud attempts associated with essential State services are increasing.
The notice was released by the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS), the entity responsible for information systems and digital health technologies, through its institutional portal.
According to the SPMS, fraudulent messages are being circulated that simulate notifications related to alleged debts due to emergency episodes, creating a scenario of artificial urgency to pressure recipients to pay.
Messages simulate official communications
According to the same source, at least two different formats of fraud were identified. In one of them, citizens receive an SMS that includes an ATM reference for immediate payment. In another, the message contains a link that directs to fake websites, visually similar to official pages, designed to collect personal and banking data.
In both cases, fraudsters use apparently credible identifications, such as “MIN.SAUDE”, “SNS” or “SNS 24”, exploiting citizens’ trust in public institutions.
The strategy involves inducing the idea that there is an outstanding amount, associated with healthcare already provided, and creating a tone of urgency that leads to hasty decisions.
The SPMS emphasizes that this is a recurring social engineering scheme, in which the appearance of legitimacy is the main instrument of fraud.
The entity recalls that the official address of SNS 24 is exclusively and that any other website or link associated with payment requests should be viewed as suspicious.
SNS 24 services are free
There is no charge associated with SNS 24 services, either via the telephone line or the online portal. Payment requests are also not sent via SMS, nor via external links. Using these means to request money or sensitive data is, in itself, a clear sign of attempted fraud.
Authorities call for caution and recommend that citizens do not click on suspicious links, do not make payments and do not provide personal or banking details in response to these types of messages. In case of doubt, direct contact with official channels is recommended.
For clarifications on administrative matters, citizens can call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24.
Situations of suspected fraud can also be reported to the SPMS incident response team by email.
In the last paragraph of the statement, the same source states that it is working in conjunction with other competent entities to monitor the evolution of the situation and reduce the impact of this scheme, in an effort to protect citizens and preserve trust in public health services.
Also read:
