DSWD warns public anew vs latest scam messages asking contact numbers in exchange for cash assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is warning the public against the circulation of scam messages on the social media app Messenger, inviting individuals to provide their contact numbers in exchange for Php8,000 in cash assistance from the DSWD.

Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, reiterated that the Department will never send messages to beneficiaries asking for their personal details, including contact numbers, in exchange for financial assistance.

“Ang DSWD po ay hindi humihingi ng personal na impormasyon sa pamamagitan ng text o private messages sa mga social media accounts kapalit ng cash assistance. Ang biglaang pag labas ng ganitong mensahe ay hindi lehitimong paraan ng DSWD sa pagbibigay ng kahit na anong tulong o assistance,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Tuesday (April 7).

The DSWD spokesperson also reminded the public that malicious individuals often take advantage of crises to collect personal data and facilitate fraudulent activities.

Scammers also send text messages pretending to be a beneficiary’s relative, instructing them to join a group chat or sign up for a specific list to avail of financial assistance.

“Bago po tayo mag bigay ng impormasyon o mag click ng link sa mga nag cha-chat sa atin, siguraduhin po muna natin na legit accounts ito. Kung galing po ito sa DSWD ay dapat nagmula ito sa official accounts ng DSWD na may verified badge,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao called on the public to coordinate and seek assistance only through the DSWD’s Field Offices (FOs) in their respective regions, the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs) in their cities and municipalities, or the official DSWD website and Facebook page.

“Tandaan po natin, bukas po ang ating mga programa at serbisyo at hindi po ina-allow ng DSWD ang mga backer para lang makakuha ng ating assistance. Wala rin pong bayad ang ating mga serbisyo, at lagi pong dumadaan sa tamang proseso ang tulong na ating ipinapamahagi,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

The DSWD spokesperson further urged beneficiaries to block and report accounts or phone numbers initiating these scams to prevent further fraudulent incidents.

The DSWD continuously fights misinformation and disinformation through its Tamang Tulong sa Tamang Impormasyon (3Ti) campaign.

The Tamang Tulong or 3Ti campaign is actively encouraging all beneficiaries to follow the official DSWD social media pages (@dswdserves) and website (www.dswd.gov.ph), and to rely solely on official announcements regarding the availability of services. (KB)

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