Province warns of scam text messages about provincial health cards

Province warns of scam text messages about provincial health cards

Message tells receiver they'll lose access to some health care if information isn't updated

The Alberta government is warning that text messages about provincial health cards that have been popping up on people's phones are a scam and they should be ignored.

The text says all provincial health cards issued before January 2023 are out of date and need to be replaced.

The message calls the cards “legacy documents” that require “mandatory replacement.”

And it prompts Albertans to update their information via a link if they want to keep accessing certain health services at pharmacies and health clinics.

The Alberta government calls the individuals behind the text messages “fraudsters.”

“The Government of Alberta will never send unsolicited text messages asking for Albertans' personal or financial information,” said a statement provided on behalf of Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally.

“These texts are scams and should be ignored.”

The Better Business Bureau issued an alert about the texts on Wednesday.

“I think it's quite a widespread text scam that's going on currently,” said Wes Lafortune, spokesperson with the Better Business Bureau serving Alberta and East Kootenay.

"Ignore it. Delete it. Don't engage … It's always a red flag if you get an unsolicited text, even if it's an organization that you deal with. Be very skeptical of that.”

He’s urging Albertans not to click on any links and to always try to verify the information independently if you have questions.

He said the texts are likely an effort to capitalize on confusion around the Alberta government's plan to eliminate paper health cards and add health numbers to driver's licences.

"This kind of feels like, 'Oh, it might be legitimate.' But it's not. It's a scam. And they're trying to take advantage of that," he said.

According to Lafortune, there are often signs that these messages are phoney, including spelling mistakes.

This particular text is designed to look as though it's coming from the federal government, which should be another red flag, according to Lafortune, since health care is a provincial jurisdiction.

“They're just trying to gather personal information and engage with you," he said.

"Ultimately, the whole motivation is to steal your personal information and your money."

Jennifer Lee is a Senior Reporter for CBC News based in Calgary. She covers health stories for CBC's web, radio and video platforms. If you have a story to share, let her know.