DTI, NTC warn public to shun text scams

The government asked the public to ward off text messages announcing huge cash prizes or asking for cellphone load after rampant text scams have been reportedly targeting even indigent families.

Department of Trade and Industry Bataan director Yay Lasam said that people enticed by the prizes of car, cash amounts, or gadgets have been inquiring about the veracity of the messages.

"If you did not join any raffle or promo, then, do not believe. The consumers must be vigilant," said Lasam in an interview during the Kapihan sa DTI-Bataan Tuesday at Crown Royale Hotel in this city.

It was known that a complainant last year reported to DTI that she was deceived by a text scam which cost her about P1,000 worth of cellphone load.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also reported that the scam has likewise targeted beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a banner program of DSWD granting P1,400 per month to recipient, indigent families.

The text states, "Congratulations! This is Lea Ramos of the President NoyNoy Aquino Foundation 4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, your sim number won Php 950,000 as second prize winner in the Handog Pangkabuhayan raffle promo with DTI permit #0154 series of 2012."

The public must suspect text messages which come from an 11-digit number and that the DTI permit number could have been fabricated, according to posters circulated by the National Telecommunications Commission.

It said that scams include claims that you have won cash or car, offers of loan which are only after on the processing fee, and load requests asserting that they are relatives who will send you a package.

"A legitimate promo comes from a special three or four-digit code that came from the National Telecommunications Commission. All winners of legitimate promo should receive a registered mail," NTC said.

To report any text scam, call DTI Direct at 751-3330 or DTI-Bataan at (047) 237-3005 and 791-4225. - PIA — ARA