DILG warns LGUs of new scam using Año, other execs’ names

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGU) should be careful about falling victim to scams involving callers pretending to be officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the scammers claim that the LGU could receive assistance or money from the government if they deposit a certain amount in a bank account they provide.

“Nakakabahala nga po dahil ang dami pong scam na ginagamit ang mga pangalan ng mga DILG officials kabilang po dyan si Secretary Año at ilan pang mga senior officials,” Malaya said Wednesday in a televised briefing.

(It’s alarming that there are some scams using names of DILG officials, including Secretary Año and other senior officials.)

“‘Pag meron na pong usapin tungkol sa pera, wag po kayong maniwala,” Malaya told LGUs.

(If it is about money, please do not believe them.)

Malaya advised LGUs to only communicate with DILG operations officers assigned in their jurisdiction, or their respective provincial and regional directors.

Previously, DILG also warned the public against scammers posing as contact tracers. who call households and tell their victims they were exposed to a COVID-19 patient.

The scammers call households and tell victims they were exposed to a COVID-19 patient then will ask for money supposedly for their test kits.

EDV