ÖGK warns of scams targeting insured people’s personal data

The ÖGK health insurer has warned of phishing attempts aimed at obtaining policyholders’ sensitive information through emails, text messages and phone calls, ORF reported Tuesday.

Some emails promise a benefit payment and ask recipients to update their bank details to receive the money. Text messages also contain links urging people to update their information. Both types of messages are designed to steal account and login details.

In a newer scam, callers claiming to work for the ÖGK offer free light therapy. The insurer urged people to ignore such offers and not disclose personal information.

Warning signs of phishing include an impersonal greeting, an untrustworthy sender address and subject lines that create pressure to respond quickly. The ÖGK says it never asks people to change sensitive information through links or buttons in emails or texts. It advises using the official Meine ÖGK app or typing the web address directly into a browser.

For secure data exchanges, the insurer recommends its Meine ÖGK service portal with an ID Austria login. Its website also provides information on current scams and a way to report phishing attempts. The ÖGK said reported cases fell in 2026, but recent incidents show that caution is still necessary.