Public warned of fake police clearance, e-travel websites

National

BEWARE of fraudulent and unauthorized websites for police clearance and e-travel.

Philippine diplomatic missions issued this warning due to the presence of websites imitating Philippine government websites.

Authorities urged traveling public to be vigilant and confirm the legitimacy of the website they visit to prevent potential risks to their personal information and security.

The public was warned that any information obtained by criminal syndicates could potentially be used for illegal activities.

In a Philippine Star report, the following are websites imitating Philipping government websites:

https://policeclearanceph.ph/

https://etravelph.net/application/

The official Philippine government websites for obtaining the police clearance and registering for e-travel clearance are as follows:

https://pnpclearance.ph/

https://etravel.gov.ph/

“The personal information obtained through these fake websites can be used to hack bank accounts and other sensitive databases or for opening stooge accounts for money laundering,” the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said.

The ongoing concern with eTravel is the compulsory charges via 'online payment' for every registrant.

In 2024, it was reported that the alleged amount being collected ranged from P3,000 to P5,000.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized that “the eTravel registration process is absolutely free of charge.”

Majority of those being targeted by phony websites that issue PNP clearances are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).(Mary Grace Fegarido, USJ-R Intern)