Health insurance fraud warnings issued in Turkey

Cybersecurity experts are warning of a rise in health insurance fraud, particularly during the year-end period when private and complementary health insurance (TSS) policy renewals are most frequent. Scammers exploit the high volume of legitimate communications from insurance companies, agencies, and intermediaries to mask their activities.

Fraudsters utilize various methods to contact victims, including phone calls, SMS, emails, WhatsApp, and social media messages. They may also use fake websites featuring official logos and branding on search engines and platforms like Instagram and Facebook to impersonate well-known insurance providers.

Common tactics used to manipulate victims include: • Claiming there is an unpaid insurance premium that will result in a loss of services. • Offering fraudulent premium refunds or service fee credits via malicious links. • Requesting information to renew expiring policies or update coverage details. • Providing fake limited-time discounts on complementary health insurance. • Claiming that official government accounts, such as e-Devlet, e-Nabız, or MHRS, have been suspended. • Falsely stating that identity information is involved in a fraud investigation.

These schemes often rely on social engineering and a sense of urgency to induce stress and prevent logical decision-making.