Digital scam uses SNS 24 name to extort citizens
Criminals send fraudulent messages in the name of SNS 24, claiming citizens owe tax debts to the State and demanding immediate payment to steal banking data.
Digital scam uses SNS 24 name to extort citizens
Criminals are using the designation of SNS 24 to deceive Portuguese people through fraudulent telephone messages. The SMS alerts the recipient that a tax enforcement process is underway for a supposed debt to the State and demand a bank transfer within two days.
The warning was issued by the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health, which explained that the fraudsters exploit the credibility of institutions such as the Ministry of Health and the SNS to convince people to reveal confidential information and bank account details. The intention is unlawful profit.
The public entity clarified that SNS 24 lines are completely free and that they never contact users to collect amounts related to tax enforcement. In recent months, alerts about deceptive communications have multiplied, including links to fake refund pages or requests for payment of supposed debts.
The government is working with criminal investigation entities to identify those responsible. The official recommendation is clear: do not pay or provide any personal or financial information in response to these requests.
Since April, several similar warnings have been issued about attempted fraud impersonating the national health system.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã