In a statement, SPMS reported that two types of fake SMS messages are circulating, both requesting payments for emergency room services, one with a bank reference number and the other with links to fraudulent websites.

"This is a fraudulent scheme that improperly refers to credible entities such as the Ministry of Health, SNS, and SNS 24, with the aim of inducing recipients to provide personal and banking information and to obtain financial gain," the statement said.

Asking users to be vigilant about these scams, the SPMS reminded them that the official address of the SNS 24 website is sns24.gov.pt and that the services provided are free for all citizens.

"The telephone line and the SNS 24 website are free public services," SPMS stressed, recommending that citizens do not access suspicious links, do not make any payments, and do not enter personal or banking data.

Stating that it is "coordinating with other competent entities," SPMS further added that, in case of doubt, citizens can contact SNS 24 – 808 24 24 24 (administrative matters) or the incident response team via the email address csirt@spms.min-saude.pt.