The Department of Health (DOH) has cautioned the public on Monday against individuals introducing themselves as members of the department’s contact tracing team.
The department made the statement after they received reports of citizens getting calls from individuals misrepresenting themselves as members of the “DOH Contact Tracing Team.”
“They maliciously ask for personal information and extort money in the process. The public is advised to be vigilant and not entertain these calls,” the DOH said.
The DOH said it has coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the matter.
“We condemn the perpetrators of these acts and warn the public against individuals who are taking advantage of this health crisis,” the department said.
The department noted that it will take the appropriate legal action as necessary.
The DOH advised the public to verify the identity of the government’s contact tracing team with their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs).