Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a warning to the public about an ongoing scam operation involving a fraudster using the mobile number 0969-268-4752 to impersonate DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted the tactics used by scammers to deceive people, including the misuse of government officials' names. "Gumagawa talaga ng iba't ibang paraan ang mga scammer para makapanloko ng publiko, grabe na itong mga taong 'to dahil gumagamit pa sila ng pangalan ng ating mga opisyal, kagaya nalang nitong number (0969-268-4752) na 'to na nagpapanggap bilang Kalihim ng DSWD," Dumlao stated in a news release.
The department advised the public to refrain from responding to unsolicited messages or calls from the mentioned mobile number. People are urged not to send money or share personal information with the scammer.
Dumlao recommended that individuals seeking valid updates should only refer to the verified social media pages of the Department on Facebook at REX Gatchalian and the official X account at @rex_gatchalian. "Ang pagiging maingat at pag-check sa mga official channels ng DSWD o ng kahit ano pang ahensya ang pinakamabisang paraan para hindi tayo mabiktima ng panloloko," she noted.
The public is encouraged to alert relatives and neighbors to verify any received messages, and to help safeguard seniors and those without internet access from fraudulent activities. "Malaking tulong ang pagiging alerto ng bawat isa para maprotektahan natin ang mga sarili against these scammers, lalo na po sa ating mga nakatatanda at mga kababayan na hindi walang social media o walang access sa social media," Dumlao added.
Dumlao urged anyone encountering such scams, or knows someone who does, to warn them and report the incident immediately to the DSWD. Verified updates and official announcements can also be accessed on the DSWD's official Facebook page at @dswdserves.
For concerns, inquiries, or reports, citizens should contact the official DSWD hotlines via Globe at 0917-110-5686 and 0917-827-2543, or Smart and Sun at 0919-911-6200, and the Facebook page @dswdserves.
