SSS warns vs online fixers

MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has warned the public against transacting with online fixers using social media to offer paid assistance to expedite transactions with the pension fund.

In a statement, the SSS informed its members that it is not affiliated with any social media accounts or pages asking certain fees in exchange for facilitating transactions, including the release of loans, disbursement of retirement benefits and the like.

The state fund called on its members to protect their accounts and ensure that all their online transactions are made only through their My.SSS online accounts.

Online fixers were also warned that they would be held criminally and civilly liable from extracting confidential information and demanding money from SSS members and pensioners.

According to SSS, these acts violate Section 17 of Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which is punishable by a fine of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of six months to one year, or both depending on the decision of the court.

The SSS also reminded members and pensioners that the use of online fixers is a violation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

To report suspected online fraud and activities of online fixers, the SSS said members and pensioners may send an e-mail to its special investigation department or send a direct message to any of its social media accounts.

Currently, the SSS is intensifying its digitalization efforts to improve the delivery of its services to members.

Last month, the state fund launched the ExpreSSS program which introduced improved digital services that will provide its members with simpler, faster and more convenient access to SSS services.

The pension fund also partnered with the Development Bank of the Philippines for the disbursement of benefits and short-term loans using PESONet participating banks and remittance centers.

It likewise tapped other banks to allow members and employers settle their premium contributions online.

The SSS is also making improvements in its mobile application and website to make more features and services available to its members.