Warning Against Email and Text Scams
PRESS RELEASE NO. APV- 54 -2009
30 September 2009
The Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh reiterates its warning to all Filipinos residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen of the rampant internet and text message scams seeking to victimize OFWs and their families all over the world. The modus operandi adopted by unscrupulous individuals and groups which tries to deceive Filipino nationals abroad into believing that they won in an electronic raffle conducted by various Philippine government offices, has unfortunately succeeded and persists to this day.
The Embassy was informed by the Office of Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of a recent case involving a certain OFW in Vienna, Austria. She received a message on 27 July 2009 allegedly from the Central Bank of the Philippines advising her to claim the three (3) million prize money she won in an electronic lottery. She initially remitted 4,000 Euros to the account of this scammer who was dropping the names of high-ranking government officials, including the President. She was again asked to remit Php 38,900.00 for donation for the approval of her claim. When she did not remit the remaining amount, the alleged prize money of three (3) million was not transferred to her by the swindlers.
The Embassy is advising all Filipinos residing in the Kingdom and the Republic of Yemen not to entertain any phone, email and text messages which are scams in nature.
Anyone who receives similar or any doubtful phone, email and text messages may report the matter to, or request advice from, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh for immediate referral to concerned Philippine authorities. END
