The Social Security System (SSS) reminded its members and employers to protect their personal information and be vigilant against fixers and scammers following the increasing reports on fraud incidents.
In a statement, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio warned members and employees to refrain from sharing their SS Number, My.SSS login credentials, and other personal information with individuals claiming to be SSS employees.
"We are deeply concerned with the increasing number of fraud victims who are mostly our members. That's why we constantly remind them not to patronize these individuals," Ignacio said.
Ignacio further cautioned the public against joining Facebook groups offering assistance on various online transactions for a fee and reminded the public that SSS offers free services and doesn't charge from its members except for Unified Multipurpose ID Card (UMID) replacement.
"These groups are considered illegal and unauthorized as they could be data mining accounts used to extract an individual's personal information," she added.
“We also reiterate that SSS shall not be held accountable for any transactions once the member is found to have connived with the fixer. This act is considered a violation R.A. No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 as well as R.A. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Hence, we strongly advise our members to coordinate with legitimate SSS branch personnel only," Ignacio underscored.
As part of SSS’ initiatives to curb illegal activities, social media posts and accounts were taken down in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.
"This is an ongoing operation since these accounts are evident in social media accounts. Sending your complaints will provide notable information which will help the authorities to track them. Rest assured that the SSS shall penalize these fixers/scammers to protect the interests of our members and employers.” Ignacio added.
Meanwhile, SSS urged concerned citizens and victims to report fixers/scammers to the Special Investigation Department (SID) through email [email protected] and telephone number (02) 8924-7370.