Beware New Scams: Social Security Office Calls Claiming Health Insurance Cards Are 'Faulty' or 'Expired'

Authorities are warning the public about a new wave of sophisticated scams targeting individuals by falsely claiming their health insurance cards are experiencing issues. Scammers are impersonating officials from the social security office to trick people into divulging sensitive information or sending money.

The fraudulent callers inform recipients that their health insurance cards are "faulty," "expired," or have "not updated data." In some cases, they pressure individuals to convert their cards to a physical version or a digital identification card. These tactics prey on people's anxieties about maintaining their health insurance benefits and accessing medical care.

The Hanoi Social Security office has reported an increase in these calls, noting that while the scam itself is not new, the methods are becoming increasingly cunning. The scammers aim to create a sense of urgency and fear, prompting victims to act without proper verification.

To combat this, the Social Security Administration emphasizes that they will never request personal financial information, such as bank account details or OTP codes, over the phone for health insurance card services. They also advise citizens to be wary of requests to download applications, visit unknown websites, or transfer money for "verification," "activation," "renewal," or "reissuance" of their cards.

For verification purposes, individuals can use their citizen ID card, the VNeID digital identity app (level 2), or the VssID app which integrates health insurance information. For children under six, a birth certificate or personal identification number can be used. The public is encouraged to proactively check their card's validity and participation status through official channels, such as the Social Security Administration's portal or by calling their customer service hotline.

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The Social Security Administration does not ask individuals to provide account information, transfer money, or pay fees over the phone to obtain a health insurance card.