eHealth Saskatchewan is warning Border City residents about text messages and phone calls falsely claiming to be from the provincial health authority.
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The scammers are telling recipients that Saskatchewan health cards are expired or require immediate replacement, according to a provincial release issued Aug. 27.
Recipients are asked to click a link to update their information and may be asked to pay a fee or provide personal information to maintain access to health care services, update their records or renew their health card.
No charge for health cards
There is no charge for a Saskatchewan health card.
Any request for payment indicates a scam, officials say. Residents should not click on any links or provide credit card information.
The warning comes as Saskatchewan enters a health card renewal season, with renewal stickers starting to appear in the mail mid-September through the end of October.
What residents need to know
Most Saskatchewan health cards expire at the end of December 2026.
Health cards that do not expire December 2026 have an expiry date printed directly on the card.
Renewal stickers will be automatically mailed to eligible households starting mid-September.
eHealth will never contact residents by text message or call about health card renewal.
There is no charge to receive a health card or update information.
How to spot a scam
A message or call is likely a scam if it includes an unofficial web address, which may closely resemble ehealthsask.ca, according to the release.
Other red flags include calls originating from an international or unusual phone number, claims to be from a “Health Card Service Centre” or other organization that does not manage Saskatchewan health cards and messages creating a sense of urgency by claiming recipients must act immediately to avoid losing health coverage.
Similar text message scams have targeted Saskatchewan residents in recent months.
Scam messages may also ask recipients to take action to “renew” their health card, when health card stickers are automatically mailed, or request payment, banking information or personal information over the phone or through a link.
eHealth Saskatchewan encourages residents to remain vigilant and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information if they receive a suspicious message or phone call.
Residents can visit eHealth’s website at ehealthsask.ca to learn more about the scam and the health card renewal campaign.
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