PhilHealth warns vs. fraudulent text messages on 'ID replacement'

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Wednesday warned the public against fraudulent text messages claiming that members need to replace their PhilHealth identification cards through an online link.

In an advisory, PhilHealth said it has no ID replacement process conducted through text messages or online links.

It warned that scammers can manipulate text messages to make them appear to come from official senders. Fraudulent messages may even appear in the same conversation thread as legitimate PhilHealth notifications.

“This message is FAKE. PhilHealth has no ID replacement process that is done through text messages or online links,” the state insurer said.

PhilHealth said it does not send text messages containing links or request passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), bank account information or e-wallet details.

It also does not ask members to send money or pay fees through text messages.

The agency advised members to transact only through official channels, including its Local Health Insurance Offices, Member Portal and the eGovPH application.

Members who receive suspicious messages may report them to the PhilHealth Action Center through email or its official Facebook account, @PhilHealthOfficial. Reports may also be made through PhilHealth's landline and hotlines.

-Philippine News Agency