"This message, accompanied by a link to a false page that improperly uses the image of the Direct Social Security, indicates that the citizen has subsidies to be received by Social Security and asks for the filling in of bank credit card data", says the ISS, in a statement.

The ISS recommendation is simple: "If you receive a message identical to this one, the citizen should not click on the link".

"This is a phishing action that may have the objective of obtaining confidential information or extorting money from the citizen, using the Social Security identity for the purpose".

However, "if you have responded to the information requested in the SMS, you should immediately contact your bank and explain what happened".

"Social Security NEVER sends links through SMS messages or asks for bank details (Credit Card). The IBAN update is done through Social Security Direct, after authentication with a password".