Scammer posing as DSWD employee takes ₱50k surgery money for conjoined twins

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned the public anew of scammers posing as its personnel after a family reported that ₱50,000 worth of donated surgery funds for conjoined twins were taken by a poser.

According to the DSWD, the scammer contacted the father of the twins in Tagum City, Davao del Norte after he took to social media the condition of his newborn children.

The scammer promised that DSWD would shoulder the amount needed for the twin’s surgery and asked for the one-time-pin (OTP) needed to access the father’s online mobile wallet where the donations were stored.

The father later realized that he was scammed by the fake DSWD employee after the poser took more than ₱50,000 in donations for the twin’s surgery.

“The DSWD strongly reminded the public to be vigilant in giving out personal information and to not entertain individuals, especially those who communicate through online platforms and/or mobile phone calls, identifying themselves to be officials or employees of the Department promising assistance or help,” the agency said in a statement.

The DSWD coordinated with the family and extended ₱5,000 financial aid as an initial response under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

The agency said it continues to coordinate with the family for other services that they may need for the hospitalization and operation of the twins.

The DSWD also reiterated that individuals in crisis who are seeking medical, burial, transportation, and educational assistance, among others, must proceed to the nearest DSWD Field or Satellite Office in their area for proper assessment and assistance to the agency’s AICS program.