Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente has warned the public of an emerging online scam using the name of government officials.
Morente cited received reports of unscrupulous individuals using his name, as well as other government officials, in soliciting money from unsuspecting victims.
The reports showed that the scammer, in an email, would pretend to be the BI Chief and would ask for money to be sent to a distressed friend overseas.
The scammer would pretend to have difficulty in sending money, and would seek the assistance of his victim in wiring money on his behalf.
“This is a scam, attempting to use the name of government employees in their illegal activities,” Morente said.
“The public is warned against this new modus,” he added.
He further warned that any such attempts will be coordinated with cybercrime authorities for investigation.