Beware of fake donation drives – PNP

MANILA, Philippines —  As relief efforts for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Opong are ongoing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its operations against fraudulent donation drives on social media.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartateasz Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to monitor suspicious donation requests on social media platforms to ensure that relief operations are protected from exploitation.

Nartatez said the ACG should also check websites and e-wallet transactions to identify and apprehend scammers taking advantage of people who are donating to typhoon victims.

“We advise the public to verify first before donating. Legitimate donation drives are usually organized by well-known charity groups,” he said.

Nartatez reminded people to check official announcements, verified social media pages and official bank accounts. Personal accounts soliciting donations, especially if the details are vague or unverifiable, must be avoided, he said.

The PNP is rolling out an awareness campaign to help citizens distinguish between legitimate and fake donation drives.

Nartatez urged those who have been victimized to report to the ACG or to the nearest police stations.

Beware of fake donation drives – PNP

TUPAS

MANILA, Philippines —  As relief efforts for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Opong are ongoing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its operations against fraudulent donation drives on social media.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartateasz Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to monitor suspicious donation requests on social media platforms to ensure that relief operations are protected from exploitation.

Nartatez said the ACG should also check websites and e-wallet transactions to identify and apprehend scammers taking advantage of people who are donating to typhoon victims.

“We advise the public to verify first before donating. Legitimate donation drives are usually organized by well-known charity groups,” he said.

Nartatez reminded people to check official announcements, verified social media pages and official bank accounts. Personal accounts soliciting donations, especially if the details are vague or unverifiable, must be avoided, he said.

The PNP is rolling out an awareness campaign to help citizens distinguish between legitimate and fake donation drives.

Nartatez urged those who have been victimized to report to the ACG or to the nearest police stations.