DSWD issues warning vs text scams posing as cash aid rollout

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued a warning to the public to take caution against text scams posing as the agency delivering the P5,000 cash aid for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

“Because of the continuous payout of cash relief assistance by the DSWD, scammers are everywhere again,” the department said in a video statement on Wednesday.

READ: PNP urges public to take caution vs scams amid fuel subsidy rollout

“The DSWD will never send a link or whatever text message to our beneficiaries. So, don’t just click on any link or you might get scammed. Take care against those taking advantage of people during this time of crisis. Don’t just trust them,” it stressed.

A screengrab of a text scam shown by the DSWD told the receiver that they could “apply” their P3,000 “e-fuel voucher” at a suspicious link.

In response, the department urged the public to only follow its official social media pages and authorized personnel for information and updates on the aid rollout.

The cash financial assistance was earmarked by the DSWD from its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to cushion the impact of rising costs driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. /mr