DSWD-7 warns public of unauthorized solicitations

Local

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development- Central Visayas (DSWD 7) alerted residents after individuals impersonated agency officials to solicit unauthorized payments.

During an open forum with Cebu media on Tuesday, Dec. 12, DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Lucero confirmed the incidents, saying many callers either pretended to be her or claimed to represent her to ask for money.

“In other words, people are using my name to generate funds in the guise that they are the regional director… we have denied this several times,” she said.

Lucero said several callers contacted agency suppliers, claiming the regional director had instructed them to collect money for supposed DSWD activities.

She clarified that all claims were false and emphasized the agency’s transparency.

“I have posted on Facebook saying that the regional director did not, has not, and will not authorize anyone to ask for money, or any support, even gifts to anyone, especially suppliers,” she said.

The regional director explained that even the cash prizes received by the agency as recognition for being a performing office are deposited directly with the cashier to fund improvements at the field office.

“So inana ang atong transparency and we report that to every member of the DSWD family. So wala tay gisugso, so hinaot, nanawagan ko sa publiko nga kung naay manawag gamiton Shalaine Lucero, please report to us,” she said, referring to claims that she personally solicits funds.

She said some callers even used different languages to mislead suppliers. Lucero noted that while she speaks Bisaya, some impostors called in speaking Tagalog, highlighting the attempts by scammers to appear legitimate.

She also clarified that she has never met or spoken with the suppliers involved, in accordance with DSWD procurement law.

DSWD described the actions of these impostors as deliberate attempts to exploit vulnerable families and said it is working to track them down.

Residents are urged to immediately report any suspicious requests for money or donations to their Local Social Welfare and Development Office or the nearest police station.

The agency has also posted official contact numbers on social media to help the public verify any requests.

Lucero advised the public to inform others that no one has the authority to conduct campaigns soliciting donations or requesting money on her behalf.

Under Philippine law, impersonating someone, especially a government official, to obtain money is a criminal offense.

Such schemes may fall under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the usurpation of authority or official functions, and Article 315 on estafa, which covers swindling through pretenses or misrepresentation.

If the deception is carried out through phone calls, social media, or other electronic means, the act may also be prosecuted under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 for computer-related identity theft or online fraud.(MyTVCebu)