The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned Wednesday, July 7, the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) against “scammers” who are introducing themselves as DSWD personnel just to get their sensitive and personal information, such as their cash card numbers.
The DSWD said the 4Ps program management is reminding the recipients not to divulge their personal information, including name, address and birthday as well as their sensitive information such as cash card numbers and their personal identification number (PIN) to callers who are posing as DSWD representatives.
The warning was issued after 4Ps management received reports that there were individuals who introduced themselves as 4Ps and DSWD personnel.
“Ang kanilang modus ay tatawag sa mga benepisyaryo ng programa at sasabihin na makakatanggap ang mga ito ng financial assistance mula sa programa kapalit ng pagbigay ng mga sensitibong impormasyon ng mga benepisyaryo (Their modus operandi is to phone up the program beneficiaries and inform them that they will receive financial assistance from the program in exchange for the sensitive information they will provide),” the DSWD said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 7.
“Tandaan na ang mga personal at sensitibong impormasyon ay laging ingatan at huwag ipagkatiwala sa mga taong hindi kakilala. Laging siguruhin na sa mga napatunayang kilalang DSWD staff at City/ Municipal Link lamang makikipagtransaksyon (Remember that personal and sensitive information should always be kept and not be given to strangers. Always make sure that you transact with authorized DSWD staff and City/ Municipal Link),” it added.
The DSWD urged the program recipients to immediately report suspicious calls or texts to their City or Municipal Link, or to the official Facebook page of 4Ps.
In May, the DSWD cautioned more than 4.3 million household-beneficiaries of the 4Ps against falling prey on circulating fake text messages and Facebook posts that spread false information about the government’s poverty reduction program.
Related Story: http://https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/24/fake-4ps-beneficiaries-warned-vs-texts-fb-posts-on-payout-schedule/