The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reported the proliferation of fake social media accounts on Facebook using the photos and information of its employees to mislead its clients into transacting business with them.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco warned that these scammers disguised themselves as immigration lawyers, using their photos, badges and even the logo of the bureau.
The BI chief stated that BI workers are only allowed to transact business within the immigration offices and during office hours.
He noted that there were instances in the past about fake social media accounts victimizing the public of their hard earned money.
“It is illegal to assume the identity of others, more so to demand money from anyone using the government’s name,” said Tansingco.
He disclosed that they have already met with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to investigate the racket and arrest the perpetrators.
Tansingco advised those doing business with the bureau to call the BI’s hotline at (02) 8465-2400, or reach its social media page at www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration.