Warnings issued regarding deceptive messages, pretending to be from the Social Network Service (SNS)

Warning Issued by Ministry of Health's Shared Services Against Fake NHS Debt Message

The Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SSM) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent message that is currently circulating, claiming to be from the National Health Service (NHS) and NHS 24.

According to the SSM's statement, the message is a false scheme aimed at obtaining personal and banking information for financial gain. The message claims there is an urgent debt that needs to be paid within five days. However, the SSM reiterates that this message is not originating from the NHS or NHS 24 and should be disregarded.

The SSM's warning highlights that the link in the message leads to a fraudulent webpage, not a legitimate one from the NHS or NHS 24. On this fraudulent webpage, personal and banking card details are being requested. The SSM advises against accessing the link, entering any data, or making any payment if you receive the message.

Recipients are encouraged to report any suspicious messages to the appropriate authorities and to not respond to the message and delete it. The SSM's statement also emphasises that the message is a false scheme using credible entities to induce recipients to provide personal and banking information.

In 2024, legal proceedings against the author of the fraudulent SMS using the names National Health Service and NHS 24 concluded with the perpetrator being found guilty and receiving a sentence in the UK.

The SSM's recommendation includes not responding to the message and deleting it. The SSM also encourages recipients to be vigilant and cautious of such scam messages.

The SSM's warning indicates that the message is not originating from the National Health Service (NHS) or NHS 24. The SSM's statement does not confirm or acknowledge any legitimate communication or debt from the NHS or NHS 24.

In conclusion, the public is advised to be cautious of any suspicious messages claiming to be from the NHS or NHS 24, especially those requesting personal and banking information. If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the message before providing any sensitive information.