"The Social Security Institute (ISS) has come across situations related to the sending of a fraudulent SMS, which does not occur in relation to the social security system, but to citizens, which is why it has issued security alerts on this subject on its website and social networks", said the institute led by Octávio Félix de Oliveira, in response to questions posed by Lusa news agency.

Lusa is aware that in recent days a new fraudulent message has been circulating regarding an alleged debt settlement, which reads as follows: "Today is the deadline to settle the amount owed to Social Security (REF9987) to avoid the execution of assets, pay today Ent: 11249 Ref: 546580368 Amount: 494.94 Euros" [euros].

When asked by Lusa about this message, Social Security did not confirm whether it had already been aware of it. However, the institute has been issuing frequent warnings about attempted fraud.

The latest warning was published on the Social Security website on Monday and is related to a request for payment to avoid a seizure.

"In addition to issuing these warnings, as a rule, the ISS reports this type of occurrence to the Public Prosecutor's Office", an official source from Social Security also guarantees.