The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) warns the public of a Facebook page "PhilHealth Updates Online" which encourages people to "like" and "share" the said page to qualify for a supposed raffle for "libreng pabahay" in line with the agency's anniversary on February 2020. After PhilHealth reported the said matter to Facebook Philippines, the original post and its re-shared posts have since been taken down.
A similar scheme was also recently reported by its Region I office about a certain Efeiram Oicatse whose Facebook page named "PhilHealth Registration Online" offers assistance in PhilHealth membership and in securing the PhilHealth Identification Number for a fee. The said Facebook page requires payment of Php170 which can allegedly be paid through a popular chain of convenience stores using barcodes that it provides.
The state health insurer said that it does not have a housing raffle promo; and that it does not authorize anyone to solicit money in exchange for one to become a PhilHealth member. It urged members to be more discerning and not to immediately trust or report these fraudulent activities. They are also advised to be careful in giving information to prevent scammers from victimizing innocent people.
PhilHealth said that registration is for free and can be made at any local health insurance office or express counters in leading malls for their convenience. It encouraged the public to immediately report such schemes through its Facebook page 'PhilHealth official'; or you may email us at actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph; or call (02) 441-7442; or at any PhilHealth Regional or Local Health Insurance Offices nationwide. (END)
