The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has issued a strong warning to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) against circulating scam messages from individuals pretending to be OWWA personnel. These fraudulent messages often use emotionally manipulative stories—such as a sick child or an emergency situation—to trick recipients into giving personal information or money.
“May mga nagkakalat ng scam messages na nagpapanggap bilang OWWA! Gamit ang kwento ng maysakit na anak o emergency, tinatangka nilang makuha ang inyong personal na impormasyon o sahod,” the agency stated in its official advisory.
OWWA clarified that it does not involve itself in private family matters nor does it request money or sensitive personal data through such methods. “Hindi nakikialam ang OWWA sa personal na isyu tulad ng sakit ng anak,” the agency emphasized. It also stressed that OWWA never contacts an OFW’s employer regarding personal concerns, debunking a common tactic used by scammers to instill fear or urgency.
To further reinforce their message, OWWA issued the following reminders:
- “Hindi kami humihingi ng pera o personal info sa ganitong paraan.”
- “Hindi rin namin tinatawagan ang employer para sa mga ganitong usapin.”
- “HUWAG SAGUTIN” ang kahina-hinalang mensahe.
- “ISUMBONG sa OWWA Hotline 1348 o sa pinakamalapit na OWWA office sa inyong lugar.”
A supplementary post echoed the same warnings, stressing that legitimate OWWA personnel will never request personal details or money through unofficial channels. “Walang sinumang legitimate OWWA personnel ang manghihingi ng pera o personal na impormasyon sa ganitong paraan,” the statement read.
The agency urged OFWs to stay alert, be skeptical of emotionally manipulative messages, and always verify through official OWWA channels.
