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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

Published Aug 14, 2025 03:31 pm
(PHOTO: DOH)
(PHOTO: DOH)
Scammers are targeting the public with fake text messages claiming to be from the Department of Health (DOH) and promising refunds for alleged hospital overpayments, the agency warned on Thursday, August 14. 
Recently, there have been reports of individuals receiving text messages claiming they had received over P8,000 from the “DOH zero billing plan” and urging them to click a suspicious link to claim the refund.
“Ang transaksyon sa larawan ay isang uri ng SCAM. Ito ay hindi galing sa DOH o sa anumang sangay ng gobyerno (The transaction in the image is a type of scam. It did not come from the DOH or any government agency),” the agency said in an advisory.
The DOH said neither the agency nor its hospitals send links to the public, and urged people not to click suspicious links in scam messages.
According to the agency, legitimate benefits under the Marcos administration’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or “No Balance Billing” program are free of charge for basic services and accommodation in all DOH hospitals nationwide.
The DOH reminded the public to remain vigilant against text scam messages, stressing that these schemes often use official-sounding names and false promises to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.
The health department encouraged Filipinos to verify health information through its official website and social media accounts before believing or acting on it, as a safeguard against scams.
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