DSWD warns vs. scammers preying on seniors

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against scammers posing as DSWD personnel and making victims of the elderly.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras”, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said these individuals allegedly entice senior citizens to join an organization that could mean added benefits.

He said the scammers also targeted persons with disabilities.

“May tendency na kakapit na agad sa pinaka madaling tingin nila na avenue,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the department would not send text messages to the public, adding that there was no fee to pay for unclaimed benefits.

Asuncion Dela Cruz, 70, said she received a text message regarding the release of social pension.

“Natandaan ko lang pangalan niya Grace. Ang sabi sa akin meron kasama ka dun sa ano sa darating na release ng social pension kaya lang kulang information kailangan mag reply ka sa ganitong number para makumpleto namin yung details,” Dela Cruz said.

She asked the DSWD regarding the said message and she found out that it was a scam.

Dela Cruz said that this scam also happened to her fellow senior citizens.

The DSWD encouraged the public to ask their respective local government units to avoid this scam. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News