NORTHERN Mindanao interior and local government (DILG-10) has directed local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to track down with vigilance scammers posing as legitimate contact tracers aim to extract personal information, such as bank accounts and credit card details from target victims.
DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said these posers also try to sell rapid test kits, and even facilitate swabbing and promise to provide results immediately, which a genuine contact tracer would not do.
Agabe said that unscrupulous groups have taken advantage of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to dupe the public for their financial gains.
“We need the full support of our local government units in informing their constituents to be wary of individuals pretending to be contact tracers to take advantage of them,” said Agabe.
Agabe reminds that real contact tracers would properly introduce themselves and the office they represent.
Primarily, Agabe said they are tasked to inquire on close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case and his whereabouts.
Most importantly, he underscored that a real contact tracer will never ask for personal financial information and will never sell products or services.
“If you see someone who pretends to be contact tracers, immediately report it. You may go to the nearest police station to report their presence, identities, and activities,” Agabe said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is also enjoined to investigate, apprehend, and institute charges against those persons that are committing these illegal acts. (Recthie Tolinero/DILG10)
