The Diocese of Legazpi in Albay has warned the public against a scam using the name of a priest to ask money from individuals.

"It has come to our attention that a text message have been sent to many people, claiming to be from Msgr. Crispin C. Bernarte Jr., Vicar General for Administration and Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, and requesting financial assistance for the purchase of a tabernacle," the diocese said in their Facebook page Monday, Feb. 15.
"We are advising the public to beware for it is a scam. Msgr. Bernarte did not send any text message asking for financial help," it further read.
The diocese asked those who received the same text message, or a similar one with any of our clergy asking for funds, to send them a message via their Facebook page.
The Diocese of Bayombong also issued a similar warning to the public on the same day.
"It has come to our attention that a text message has been sent to many people, claiming to be from Fr. Edmundo Beronio Parish Priest of St. Jerome Parish, and requesting financial assistance for the purchase of a new tabernacle," it said in an advisory.
The diocese said this is a scam as the tabernacle of the parish was not stolen and Fr. Beronio did not send any text message asking for financial help.
"If you received the same text message, or a similar one with any of our clergy asking for funds, please send us a message at the Diocese of Bayombong Facebook page," it said.