Social media users advised to be cautious of deceptive health messages for financial gain
Warning Issued Against SNS 24 Smishing Scam
In an official statement, the Shared Services Management of Portugal's Health Ministry (SPMS) has raised an alarm about a new scam involving fake SMS messages. The messages are being circulated in the name of SNS 24, a well-known health service line in Portugal.
The deceptive SMS messages falsely inform recipients that they owe outstanding debts and instruct them to settle these payments through cash machines within five days. This tactic, known as "smishing," is a form of phishing that utilizes SMS to trick victims into making undue payments by impersonating credible entities like SNS 24.
To avoid falling prey to this scam, the SPMS urges recipients not to take any action on these fraudulent messages. They should refrain from making payments, not respond to the messages, and promptly delete them from their inbox.
The SPMS is already in discussions with relevant authorities to address this issue and prevent further damage. They remind the public that the SNS 24 Line (808 24 24 24) offers free services to citizens.
[1] Smishing: A form of phishing using SMS messages to trick victims into disclosing private information or making illicit payments.[2] SNS 24: A health service line in Portugal, offering free services to citizens.
- The recent smishing scam in Portugal, involving fake SMS messages from SNS 24, highlights the need for increased awareness in cybersecurity, particularly in the field of general-news and crime-and-justice.
- This incident underscores the significance of staying updated with the latest trends in technology to protect oneself from such fraudulent activities, as scams like the SNS 24 smishing scam continue to evolve.
