The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), issued a warning to the public on Friday, Jan. 26, against a “fake” social media account pretending to be its affiliate to get personal credit card details from unknowing victims.
The DOTR denied any involvement with the digital operation of Facebook page “Manila Metro” which supposedly sells beep cards that can accommodate a year-long free ride in Metro Manila’s subway in exchange of personal credit card details from interested buyers.
“The DOTr and AFPI [AF Payments Inc., owner of beep cards] have NOT AUTHORIZED any sales of any ‘12 Month Free Subway Rides Card,’” the transportation department said.
Transport Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette B. Aquino further emphasized the importance of referring to DOTr, DOTr-MRT3, and LRTA official channels for accurate and trustworthy information.
“The DOTr, DOTr-MRT3, and the LRTA never request credit card details in any of their interactions with the public. We urge commuters to verify all online information through the official websites and social media channels of DOTr, DOTr-MRT-3, and LRTA, as there may be malicious parties with fraudulent intentions attempting to deceive the public,” Aquino said.
The warning was issued as part of the DOTr's ongoing attempts to combat misinformation and provide the public with reliable and accurate transport information.
The transportation department also stressed the significance of verifying the legitimacy of online sources, especially those relating to public transportation.