Health card scam, here's how it works and how to defend yourself. Ministry of Health: 'It's phishing'

An email to renew one's health card that, instead, transmits to fake websites where one's data is stolen. This is the new online scam that is reaching more and more users and that has led the Ministry of Health to intervene to protect citizens.

It is 'a phishing campaign', explains the ministry, aimed at stealing personal and sensitive data. Phishing, in fact, means the attempt to deceive users by convincing them to provide personal information, financial data or access codes, pretending to be a trustworthy entity, perhaps an institution. "These are not official communications," reads the note, which explains both how the scam works and what needs to be done.

The emails invite the user to click on a link to proceed with the supposed renewal of the health card. The link redirects to a fake website, graphically similar to institutional platforms, where the user is asked to fill in a form with numerous personal and sensitive data. The collected data can be used for illicit purposes, such as reselling information, cloning documents or other fraudulent activities.

The Ministry of Health does not send out emails with links to renew the health card, nor does it require the entry of personal data via non-institutional online forms. The health card is valid for six years; in the absence of loss or theft, no renewal request is necessary; the new card is sent automatically on expiry; any requests should be made exclusively through official channels, such as the Agenzia delle Entrate website.

Instructions are then given on how to defend oneself against the scam: do not click on links contained in suspicious emails; do not provide personal or sensitive data; delete the message immediately. For updates and official information, please refer exclusively to the institutional websites of the Ministry of Health and other competent administrations.