The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) warned the public against dealing with scammers who are asking for a fee in exchange for the national identification card (ID) registration.
"Mariin po naming pinapaalala sa lahat na mag-ingat at umiwas sa mga fixers at scammers, na humihingi ng bayad kapalit ang pagrerehistro sa inyo sa PhilSys . (We strongly remind everyone to be careful and avoid fixers and scammers, who charge a fee in exchange for your registration with PhilSys)," PSA said in a Facebook post on Monday, May 10.
PSA pointed out that the registration with PhilSys is free.
"Muli, libre po ang pagpaparehistro sa PhilSys, walang assistance fee, at walang delivery fee para sa PhilID . (Again, registration with PhilSys is free, there is no assistance fee, and there is no delivery fee for PhilID)," it said.
"Inaanyayahan po namin ang lahat na personal na sumailalim sa PhilSys registration upang makaiwas sa scam. (We invite everyone to personally undergo PhilSys registration to avoid scams)," it added.
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PSA encouraged the public to report scammers and fixers who charge in connection with the PhilSys registration by sending an email to [email protected] or leaving a message on its official Facebook page PSAPhilSysOfficial.
The public may also contact the Provincial Statistics Office in their respective areas.
PSA warned that the unauthorized issuance and use of PhilID carries a penalty of three to six years imprisonment, and a fine of P1 million to P3 million according to the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act.