The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has cautioned the public, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), against fraudulent Facebook accounts pretending to be agency officials to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
In a recent advisory, OWWA revealed that one fake account has been impersonating Regional Director Virsie Burgos Tamayao of OWWA Region 2, using her name and photo to approach OFWs through Facebook Messenger.
The scammers reportedly lure victims by promoting a supposed “grant package” that they claim does not require payment and is presented as financial assistance. They also send links to another fake account—often under names like “Barbara Legate”—and instruct victims to message or befriend the profile.
According to OWWA, these fake accounts use deceptive tactics, including claims that their “old account was hacked or infected with a virus” or that they “underwent surgery and cannot take calls.” They even advise victims to ignore legitimate accounts and only communicate through the newly created fake one.
“These messages are not true and are not in any way connected with OWWA,” the agency emphasized.
OWWA urged the public to be vigilant and verify if the account or page they are communicating with is official and verified. The agency reminded everyone not to share personal data, banking information, or send money to individuals claiming to be OWWA representatives via private messages.
Suspicious messages and fake accounts should be immediately reported to Facebook and to OWWA through the following channels:
Hotline: 1348 (Metro Manila) | (02) 1348 (outside Metro Manila) | +632 1348 (overseas)
Viber: +63 915 079 5005 | +63 969 169 7068 | +63 966 473 9543
Messenger: Owwa Opc
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
Regional Directory: bit.ly/OWWA-RegionalDirectory
OWWA reminded the public that all legitimate announcements, benefits, and programs are released only through its official channels. No OWWA official is authorized to solicit money, personal details, or send private messages regarding any service or assistance.
