𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) warns the public against the circulation of deceptive text messages that falsely claim individuals may receive financial aid or other forms of government assistance. These fraudulent messages often misuse the name or official SMS number of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and contain suspicious links. The public is strongly advised not to click on any such links, even if the message appears to come from an official source.
The NDRRMC SMS number is strictly used for disseminating disaster alerts and early warnings. It is not intended for the distribution of aid, cash transfers, or any personal transactions.
Scammers often exploit heightened emotions and urgency during disasters by launching fake donation drives, phishing schemes, and fraudulent messages aimed at stealing personal information or financial resources. In some cases, they impersonate typhoon victims, volunteers, or government personnel, using fabricated stories and stolen images to solicit donations or sensitive data.
The OCD strongly condemns the actions of individuals or groups who exploit disasters and the suffering of affected communities for fraudulent or malicious purposes and urges everyone to exercise vigilance and caution. Verify before clicking on links or sharing any information. Only trust official government websites and verified platforms. Report suspicious messages to your telecommunications provider or the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) via the One Stop Public Assistance Center (OSPAC) at (02) 8924-4010 or by email at consumer@ntc.gov.ph. You may also contact the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via their Inter-Agency Response Center (IARC) at 1326 or report online through report@cicc.gov.ph.
For those seeking government assistance, please refer only to the official channels of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or other authorized agencies. Official updates, advisories, and announcements are published exclusively on their verified websites and social media pages.
In times of crisis, generosity and compassion are essential—but they must be paired with responsibility and discernment. By remaining alert and verifying information, we not only protect ourselves but also ensure that help reaches those who truly need it.
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