HMC warns public about fake ‘health card renewal’ text messages

The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has cautioned the public in Qatar about the wide circulation of fraudulent text messages about the renewal of health cards.

The HMC reminded its patients, as well as members of the public, to be cautious and refrain from opening any SMS messages sent by unverified sources. 

تنويه
يرجى من جميع المراجعين عدم فتح الرسائل النصية الهاتفية غير الموثوقة والتي تشمل روابط وهمية ومشبوهة لتجديد بياناتك أو بطاقتك الصحية.
وننوه بأن تجديد البطاقة الصحية يتم من خلال رساله نصية من مؤسسة حمد الطبية *تتضمن* الرابط الالكتروني الرسمي أدناه: https://t.co/ehP5WJ2ZIE pic.twitter.com/9expzgy9Xh

— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) September 3, 2023

Several people reported getting the fake message, which reads “Your health card is about to expire. Please complete the renewal form within 24 hours via the link below. (Please reply to 1 to open the link or copy the link to the browser to open it).

There were also links cleverly manipulated to appear as if coming from Qatar’s e-government site — Hukoomi.

HMC, which shared the photo of the scam text, marked it as incorrect.

“These messages may contain fraudulent or suspicious links that claim to update your personal information or health card,” added HMC.

Please note that health card renewal is initiated through a text message from Hamad Medical Corporation, which includes the official website link below:https://t.co/ehP5WJ2ZIE

— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) September 3, 2023

It further stated that health card renewals would be initiated through an official text message from HMC, which would also include an official website link.

If you are looking to renew your health card, you can safely do so here.