The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is warning overseas Filipino workers and the general public about fraudulent Viber and Messenger accounts circulating online while using the name and profile photo of its secretary, Hans Leo Cacdac.
In a public advisory, the Department of Migrant Workers clarified that the accounts are not connected to the agency or its leadership. “Mariin naming nililinaw na hindi po ito tunay (We emphasize that this is not a legitimate account),” the department said.
The agency noted that scammers often take advantage of the desire of OFWs to directly reach government officials, particularly on concerns involving assistance and support. “Nauunawaan namin ang kagustuhan ng ating mga OFWs na makausap at makalapit sa pamahalaan. Paalala po na may mga mananamantala sa tiwalang ito. Ang DMW ay nakikipag-ugnayan lamang sa pamamagitan ng opisyal at beripikadong channels,” it added.
The DMW urged anyone who receives messages from these fake accounts not to engage or share any personal details. It also stressed that no payments or financial transactions should be sent to individuals claiming to represent the department through unverified platforms.
Affected users were further advised to immediately block and report the accounts to help prevent others from being targeted.
