Beware of fraud trap via MHRS: Transactions are completely free

Specialist made statements regarding the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) fraud that has been targeting citizens recently. Dr. Bekir Şahin reminded that appointment, cancellation and change transactions made via MHRS and ALO 182 are completely free of charge.

"MHRS DOES NOT REQUEST CARD INFORMATION OR PAYMENT IN ANY WAY"

Stating that fraudsters advertise on search engines and expose fake websites that are exact copies of MHRS and e-Government to citizens, Şahin stated that payment is requested on these sites with various excuses. Şahin said, "Our Ministry of Health has clear rules on this issue. Appointment, cancellation or change transactions made via MHRS and ALO 182 are completely free. The system does not request card information or payment from our citizens in any way."

"THERE IS NO FINE APPLIED TO THOSE WHO DON'T ATTEND AN APPOINTMENT"

Stating that fraudsters are trying to deceive citizens with false statements such as "You have an administrative fine for not attending your appointment in the past, you cannot make a new appointment without paying it," Şahin emphasized that the sanction applied in case of not attending the appointment is not a fine. Şahin said, "If the appointment is not made, the Ministry applies a 15-day appointment restriction only to the relevant branch. A fine or administrative fine can never be requested for this restriction."

"DO NOT CLICK ON SPONSORED LINKS"

Stating that citizens should check the internet address while performing MHRS transactions, Şahin said, "You should make sure that the address bar in the internet browser is 'https://www.mhrs.gov.tr'. 'Sponsored' or 'advertising' links appearing in search engines should not be clicked."

Şahin, who wanted MHRS or e-Pulse applications downloaded from official application stores to be preferred for transactions, underlined that there is absolutely no fee charged from citizens for appointment transactions.

"IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR CARD INFORMATION, CALL YOUR BANK IMMEDIATELY"

Stating that citizens should not pay attention to calls made from unofficial numbers, Şahin stated that fraudsters can request money orders or EFT from citizens under the pretext of an appointment. Şahin said, "If their card information has been entered into a fake site by mistake, it is vital that our citizens immediately call their banks, cancel their cards, and file a criminal complaint with the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office or the cybercrime units."

Şahin added that citizens should only rely on official channels in MHRS transactions to avoid victimization.