Benguet PLGU warns public against scammers amid reports on impostor extorting money through fake transactions

La Trinidad, Benguet - The provincial government of Benguet, through the office of Governor Melchor Diclas, has issued a warning to the public against scammers posing as their staff to extort money.

The scammers, said the office, use fake names and contact people using different phone numbers. Then, they pretend to be working with the governor or his office and try to trick suppliers and other individuals into sending them money through fake transactions.  

“It has come to our attention that an unscrupulous individual falsely identifying himself as “Anthony,” using the phone number 0951 533 6404, is claiming to be affiliated with the Office of the Governor to demand and extort monetary payments,” the office wrote.  

Investigators found out that the same mobile number has been previously used in a Pangasinan scam, as it was also reported in a public warning issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Pangasinan Second District Engineering Office on April 7.  

The governor’s office said it does not support or allow any kind of scamming or asking for money in dishonest ways.  

“We deny any association with these individuals or their claims. Please know that the office of the governor strongly condemns and disowns any form of fraudulent solicitations or extortions and does not tolerate the practice of the same. Any such act is illegal, unethical, and entirely against the policies and values upheld by this office,” it added.  

While further investigation is underway to identify the suspects, the provincial government reminded the public not to believe or respond to people claiming to be from the governor’s office and asking for money to avoid being scammed. If they encounter such fraud, they must report it immediately to authorities.