DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – “If an investment offer sounds too good to be true, it could be scam.”
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Pangasinan Provincial Director Peter Mangabat stressed this as he alerted the public anew on the presence of scammers and fraudulent business practices since most people think and plan to start or expand their business this year.
Mangabat said to avoid becoming one of scammers’ victims, the public were advised to ignore calls or text message received from 11-digit number specifying that they won in a lottery or raffle draw and asking them to send their personal information, bank account number or credit card number in order to receive their supposed cash prize.
“Never directly respond to an e-mail or letter asking to send similar e-mail or letter to certain number of people promising that in return will give a brochure on how to make money or certain amount of cash as incentives or investments,” he said.
Mangabat added that the public should verify the legitimacy or authenticity of the company or its personnel that required them to pull other people who will invest or pay a membership fee and promising them that they will receive in return a cash incentive from that company.
Likewise, he said if the public doubts that investments, offers, and promotions might be scam or fraudulent, it is better for them to check it with the nearest DTI office.
In Pangasinan, the public may call DTI office at telephone numbers 515-3183 or 529-6177, Mangabat said.
DTI alerts public: Be vigilant against scams, fraud
