The Institute for Social Security (ISS) issued a warning on Tuesday regarding fraudulent messages that are circulating and misusing the name of the Social Security. The theme of these messages revolves around “alleged debts,” urging people to remain vigilant and avoid being deceived.
“These messages are fraudulent and do not originate from Social Security. They enable their authors to illegitimately obtain amounts related to supposed debts to Social Security,” the ISS stated in a statement published on their website.
According to the information released, “these messages contain a link to a fake page that improperly uses the image of the Social Security Portal, informing the citizen that they have outstanding amounts, prompting them to make immediate payments to avoid penalty interest.”
“If you receive such a message, do not click on the link or provide any personal or banking information. This is a phishing attempt intending to obtain confidential information or extort money by using the identity of Social Security,” Social Security recommends.
Social Security adds that “NEVER sends links through messages nor requests banking details (Credit Card)” and notes that “updating IBAN and other personal data should be done exclusively through the Social Security Portal, following secure authentication with a password.”
Example of the message:
“AVOID SEIZURE
The reference: PT9824573016, is in default. Under article 103 of the CPPT, non-payment by 10/21/205 could result in a tax enforcement process and asset seizure.
NOTICE!
The amount presented does not include penalty interest. After the payment deadline, the current legal interest rate (currently 0.01% per year) will be applied.”
Messenger and WhatsApp will help you identify potential frauds
Meta announced plans to introduce new tools for Messenger and WhatsApp to assist users in identifying potential scams.
Besides the upcoming features for Messenger and WhatsApp, Meta reported having “identified and disrupted” nearly 8 million scam-related accounts since the beginning of 2025.
Miguel Patinha Dias | 21:01 – 21/10/2025
According to the site Engadget, Messenger will show warnings whenever a potentially fraudulent message is detected, indicating they can forward it to Meta AI for analysis.
Additionally, Meta will notify Messenger users not to transfer money or money vouchers to unknown contacts.
Regarding WhatsApp, Meta will display warnings if users attempt to share their screen during a video call with someone not in their contact list, advising that they should only share with trusted individuals.
On combating scams and frauds in Messenger and WhatsApp, Meta notes that since the start of 2025, it has “identified and disrupted” almost 8 million fraud center-associated accounts, which were located in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
