Fake health insurance texts: NHIS never asks you to install an app

Some people in Korea are getting text messages that pretend to come from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단). The text talks about a "security bill" and asks you to install an app. That app is harmful.

What NHIS says

• NHIS never asks you to install an APK file or any app just to open a bill.
• NHIS bill emails come from webmaster@nhis.or.kr. Check the sender before you open one.
• On KakaoTalk, NHIS messages come from the account named 국민건강보험공단 고지 (NHIS notice).

If you got one of these texts

• Do not tap the link and do not install anything.
• Report it to the Korea Internet & Security Agency on 118, or to the police on 112.

If you installed the app, or you worry about your money

• Call your bank's customer centre straight away, or the Financial Supervisory Service on 1332, and ask them to freeze your account.

Next step: when a message says it is from NHIS, check the sender name first. If it is not the official account, do not open it.

Source: National Health Insurance Service warning, posted 24 August 2026. Checked 14 September 2026.