SSS Fraud warning

With an increased easier access to the Internet post-lockdown, more people go online to avail themselves of information, products and services without having to leave the comforts of their homes or offices.

Unfortunately, some people abuse the Internet by committing fraud, stealing information, or spreading false or fake news. The proliferation of fake news and online scams are no longer new to us, yet, many people still fall victims to these scams.

The Social Security System is a natural target for fraudsters (with a close to almost half of our country’s population as covered members) and they too have an antifraud unit to guard it against impostors and fakers. As an established brand, the use of its name would easily engage people, direct followers to an online site, or worse, exchange money for services.

When the lockdown measures arrived last march, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) warned netizens of a “phishing” scam on Facebook which baits users into giving away personal or sensitive data through a fake post of the state-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS).

And earlier this month I got an email fraud alert regarding these fraudulent activities still happening today. These types of fraud activities are the same usual suspects: Fixers, Phishing, bogus claimants of SSS benefits.

The best protection against phishing–or any type of fraud–isn’t any cutting edge software or antivirus (although that is also highly encouraged). It’s awareness. Take an active role in the protection of your data and your hard-earned money/benefits.

Don't Be A Victim. Protect Yourself from Fraud. Here's how:

1.Do not respond to unsolicited request of personal information, password, or social security information.

2.SSS will never ask for your personal information or social security information through e-mail, SMS, or phone call. Your SS number, user ID, password, and ATM PIN are personal and confidential.

3.Keep your personal SSS records and UMID card safe and secure.

4.Never entertain anyone offering assistance on SSS online transactions. Moreover, application for UMID card requires personal appearance for data capturing at SSS Branches.

5.Fixing or involvement with fixers is a violation of Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 and Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, punishable by imprisonment or fine. SSS shall not be held accountable for its members who sought the assistance of fixers.

6.Do not click links from untrusted/suspicious sources.

7.Do not join online groups, unauthorized by the SSS, as they could be data mining accounts, intended to clone the user's profile. SSS Advisories will be posted only on the following official websites and links:

•Website: https://www.sss.gov.ph

•Facebook: Philippine Social Security System ( https://m.facebook.com/SSSph )

•Twitter: PHLSSS Instagram: ( https://www.instagram.com/mysssph )

In case you encounter any suspicious activity, i.e. requiring payment for assistance on SSStransactions, report them immediately to the: SSS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, contact via (02) 8924-73-70; (02) 8920-64-01 loc. 5313 to 5316 or Email: [email protected]

Make sure your records are updated to make sure that the proper beneficiaries will be declared to are correct to avoid being the subject of fraudulent claims that could render one’s retirement pension useless and could be taken away by other individuals make false representations of their desired target members.

Also, For incidents of cybercrime or assistance on matters related to information and technology, the DICT may be reached on Facebook at facebook.com/Ncertgovph and email at [email protected].

The department may also be reached via landline at 8920-0101 loc. 1708.