IMMIGRATION Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado yesterday warned the public against scammers using his name to solicit money for typhoon and flood victims.
Viado issued the warning after his office received reports of individuals claiming to be connected with him and asking for monetary donations for alleged typhoon and flooding victims.
He said one such incident was reported by a private contractor in Zamboanga, who received persistent messages from an individual falsely claiming that the solicitation was sanctioned by his office.
“Further investigation revealed that the same mobile number used in this incident has also been involved in similar schemes targeting other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Public Works and Highways,” Viado said.
“The contact number 0997 108 8490 is not in any way connected to the Bureau of Immigration,” he added.
The BI chief emphasized that he is not, and has never been, involved in any form of solicitation for donations.
“We warn the public not to entertain any messages or requests coming from this number or any individual claiming to be connected to me or the Bureau. Report such incidents immediately,” he said, adding that all official communication from the BI is coursed through legitimate government channels and personnel.
He added that his office is already coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the scam.
