SSS warns members vs online scammers

The Social Security System (SSS) Building on East Avenue, Quezon City. INQUIRER file photo / RAFFY LERMA

The state-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS) on Thursday told its members, pensioners, as well as employers to never deal with “fixers” and compromise their personal information.

In a statement, the SSS said there had been “increasing reports” of fraud and scams victimizing its stakeholders, although it did not say how many.

“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,” SSS president and chief executive Aurora Cruz Ignacio said.

“Never share your social security number, My.SSS login credentials and other personal information with individuals who claim to be SSS employees because these will be compromised and used in illegal activities,” Ignacio added.

Ignacio explained that scammers’ modus operandi involved Facebook groups where they offer to assist in transacting with the agency for a fee.

“The SSS offers free services and doesn’t charge its members except for unified multipurpose ID card replacement. These groups are considered illegal and unauthorized as they could be data mining accounts used to extract an individual’s personal information,” Ignacio said.

Ongoing operation

The SSS was already working to take down social media accounts and posts of scammers who had claimed they could assist in SSS transactions, with the help of the Philippine National Police’s anticybercrime group.

“This is an ongoing operation since these accounts [of fraud] 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 said.

The bad news for SSS members, pensioners and employers victimized by these scammers, however, is that the pension fund “shall not be held accountable for any transactions once the member is found to have connived with the fixer,” according to Ignacio.

Ignacio pointed out that trying to transact with the SSS and other government agencies through fixers violates Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, as well as RA 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

“We strongly advise our members to coordinate with legitimate SSS branch personnel only. Aside from that, e-centers are also available in SSS branches where they can be assisted by our member service representatives. We also made our My.SSS portal and SSS mobile app user-friendly, which they can easily navigate and proceed with their online transactions,” Ignacio said.