Thursday, September 1, 2016

Beware of text scams, public told

The DTI VI is again reminding the public against fraud perpetrated through text messages with the coming of “ber” months. Mobile phone owners would receive text messages informing them of having won raffle prizes worth millions of pesos, but these are just mere hoaxes. 

Usually, one receives a text message saying he/she won in a raffle promo or contest which he/she has never joined and then is being asked to send a load to a mobile phone or deposit a sum of money to a certain account.

The DTI VI advises the public to be vigilant and knowledgeable on this kind of fraud.

1.      the source of the text message is just an ordinary 11-digit mobile number instead of the special four-digit numbers
2.      the message would claim that the recipient won in a raffle they never knew they took part
3.      the message urges the recipient to claim his/her “prize” quickly.

DTI-accredited promos would usually give the winner 60 days to claim the prize.

Winners of promos with prizes exceeding P500 are required to be notified through registered mail, and not through text messages alone under the law. Dubious text promos use bogus permit numbers to deceive subscribers since promo activities are required to have a permit from DTI.

“Be informed to avoid being duped by this kind of racket. If in doubt, you can always call or visit the nearest DTI office before taking any further action,” said OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon.


Those who have received text messages deemed as scams may report the incident to the DTI Provincial Offices at the following numbers – Iloilo, (033) 335-0149; Aklan, (036) 268-3405; Antique, (036) 320-5169; Capiz, (036) 621-1151; Guimaras, (033) 581-2119; Negros Occidental, (034) 433-0250.

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