The Alberta Government is urging people not to fall for fraudulent text messages that falsely claim their provincial health card is “obsolete” and pressure them to switch to a new electronic health identification system.
The scam messages, which appear to come from Service Canada, state that under a supposed new “Health Canada regulatory obligation,” all citizens must transition to the “Electronic Health Identification System.
Texts typically claim that records show the recipient’s physical health card was issued before January 2023 and is now considered obsolete. Recipients are told they must complete an online application — complete with a suspicious link — to obtain a replacement and ensure continued access to health-care services.
Alberta’s message is clear: The province will never send unsolicited text messages asking for personal or financial information.
If you receive one of these messages:
- Do not click any links.
- Do not provide any personal or financial details.
- Delete the text immediately.
Anyone who has already shared information or clicked a link should contact their local police and financial institution right away.
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