Living in the so-called new normal altered the way we learn, socialize, and work as the current health and safety protocols have forced us to limit physical and social interaction. These unprecedented changes also caused a shift in the dynamics of branch operations at the Social Security System (SSS).
Necessary adjustments had to be made in the delivery of services as we prioritize our members, pensioners, and the public in keeping them from contracting the dreaded Covid-19. Almost all government agencies had to use their digital resources to provide more accessibility to transact with their clients.
But with the emergence of these online services, also came online scammers and fixers who are taking advantage of our members, especially the digitally challenged. Just recently, the SSS Special Investigation Department interviewed five unemployment benefit claimants who admitted paying P3,000 to a fixer to help them with their online transactions. It is unfortunate that these members inappropriately shelled out a huge amount for a service that is free of charge in the first place.
Personal information must never be given to anyone who claims they can assist you with any SSS transactions in exchange for a fee. The state fund does not charge any payment for services such as registration to My.SSS, disbursement account enrollment processing of benefit claims and loan
applications.
It goes without saying that members should direct their SSS concerns only to authorized personnel. Never entertain anyone who offers help, especially for online transactions with the state pension fund.
There are also transactions that cannot be made in absentia. For instance, applications for the UMID Card requires personal appearance for data capturing at SSS branches. Do not join unauthorized online groups on Facebook or other social- media platforms as these might be used to clone accounts.
If someone is requesting for additional information and other documentary requirements through calls or SMS, members are urged to contact SSS branches to confirm the identity of the said personnel.
We would like to remind everyone that fixing or involvement with fixers is a violation of Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 and RA 11032 or Ease in Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. These violations are punishable by imprisonment or fine.
SSS will also not be held accountable for members who sought the assistance of fixers. This is the reason why general reminders must be taken seriously.
Given the existing predicament, we encourage the younger generation to assist their digitally challenged parents, aunties, and uncles, as well as their grandparents, when using online SSS services.
All advisories are posted in official social-media platforms of SSS, namely: facebook.com/SSSPh on Facebook, twitter.com/PHLSSS for Twitter, youtube.com/MySSSPhilippines for YouTube, and MySSSPh Updates in Viber Community.
For queries and concerns, our SSS Call Center may be reached at (632) 8920-6446 to 55 or send us an e-mail at member_relations@sss.gov.ph. They may also access our electronic facilities at My.SSS through our official web site (sss.gov.ph) or download the SSS Mobile App on Google Play Store for Android users, the App Store for Apple users, and the Huawei App Gallery.
Cognizant of these threats, SSS is also taking countermeasures to keep members and retirees from being victimized by high-tech fraudsters.
We hope our members and pensioners will be more vigilant so as not to become potential victims of these unscrupulous scammers.
Just like what America’s 4th President James Madison said: “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
Have a happy week ahead!
Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.
We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss.gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.