NKTI Warns Public Against Scammers Soliciting Payments

MANILA, Philippines — The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has warned the public against a person who claims to represent the NKTI and is soliciting payments for medical bills through bank transfers or electronic payment platforms. “This particular person solicits payments for hospital bills through bank transfers or electronic payment platforms using cellphone number 0975-553-3305,” the NKTI said in an advisory. The NKTI advised the public to remain vigilant and not to send money based solely on instructions received through phone calls, text messages, Viber, Messenger or other messaging applications. “Do not disclose your personal, financial or banking information to unknown people. Always verify all billing and payment instructions directly with the NKTI Billing and Claims Division through its official communication channels before making any payment,” the NKTI said. Should people receive a suspicious call or message claiming to be from NKTI, the hospital urged them to “save or screenshot the conversation and report it to authorities, such as the Philippine National Police or the National Bureau of Investigation.” This type of scam, where individuals impersonate medical institutions or government bodies, is a recurring issue in the Philippines, often targeting vulnerable populations. Alerts from public institutions like the NKTI are crucial for protecting citizens' finances and maintaining trust in essential services.