The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warns the public against the proliferation of fake social media accounts on Facebook using the photos and information of its employees, as well as the official seal of the agency to trick their prospective victims into transacting with them.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the warning amid reports that the scammer use social media accounts to introduce themselves as BI personnel.
“These scammers disguise themselves as immigration lawyers and legal officers. They create profiles using photos of our employees, their badges, and even the logo of the bureau,” Tansingco said.
He reiterated that BI employees are not authorized to coordinate and make transactions outside BI facilities and after office hours.
“There have been reports in the past where fake social media profiles have fueled scams and have gotten people duped out of money,” Tansingco said.
Tansingco expressed dismay over the increasing number of fake social media posts , saying “it is illegal to assume the identity of others, more so to demand money from anyone using the government’s name.”
“The BI strongly also admonish the public against internet acquaintances. Remain keen to avoid being victimized,” he added.
The bureau has coordinated with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) with a view of addressing such challenges.