DSWD warns vs scammers offering cash aid for personal data

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public anew against scammers posing as its representatives, promising cash aid of P6,500 to P8,500 in exchange for personal information. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency disclosed that the scammers sent text and Facebook Messenger messages, asking individuals to provide their full name, contact number, and home address, which will be used for the alleged program. 

READ: DSWD warns public vs fake AI-generated videos offering aid

“In some instances, the scammers also require the victims to grant them access to their GCash account, allowing the perpetrators to siphon money from the unsuspecting individuals,” the DSWD said. 

Upon receiving reports on the scheme, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told the public that the messages are not authorized by the agency or any of its offices. 

“These messages are clearly a scam. The DSWD does not randomly select beneficiaries through text messages or private chat. And we do not ask the public to provide personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or one-time passwords to receive assistance,” Dumlao said. 

According to her, the first batch of scam messages surfaced in December 2025, again in January this year, and is gaining traction anew this month. 

In line with this, the DSWD urged the public to verify messages they receive by checking the programs on its website and official Facebook page. — Joanna Martinez, INQUIRER.net intern /das