Recipients of SMS messages purportedly from the SNS 24 claiming outstanding debts are being urged to exercise caution following an alert issued by the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS) on Wednesday, warning that these messages are fraudulent.
“We alert that fake SMS messages are circulating under the SNS 24 name. These messages suggest that there are outstanding debts, including a reference for a multibanco payment to be made within five days,” the SPMS stated in a press release to newsrooms.
The agency clarified that this is “a scheme involving fake SMS messages (known as smishing), which exploits the names of credible entities like SNS 24”.
“In this case, the aim is to induce recipients to make inappropriate payments. If you receive a similar message, do not make any payment. Do not respond, and delete the message,” it further advised.
Fraude: se receber uma SMS em nome de SNS 24, para realização de pagamento, não responda e elimine a mensagem. A SMS é falsa. A situação já foi denunciada às autoridades. Reporte sempre burlas ou fraudes às autoridades competentes.#Saúde #SNS #cibersegurança pic.twitter.com/WfdtXchStp
— SNS_Portugal (@SNS_Portugal) May 7, 2025
The SPMS assured that “efforts are being made with the competent authorities,” while urging vigilance and caution among users.
Furthermore, it emphasized that SNS 24 services are free for citizens and that the 808 24 24 24 helpline is a public service offered at no charge.
