Beware of Bogus Solicitation – DOLE Warns

It pays to be wary and not be gullible these days, said DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome O. Siaton after the Department received a bogus donation request bearing the forged signature of the Labor Secretary.

The donation request that came in the form of an administrative order urged everyone to donate in cash for those who are undergoing treatment as blood cancer patients.

“Let us be cautious and not be swayed into believing any document coming from scheming individuals. If you look at the fake administrative order properly, you will notice that the signature of Secretary Bello had been forged and it’s as clear as the light of day,” said Director Siaton.

The bogus solicitation is asking for a minimum of 100 Dollars donation or roughly Php5,000.00, which is said to be used to aid a certain motherless home foundation including cancer patients.

“While we, at the Department fully understand that the kind of service we deliver to our customers would go beyond our call of duty, we are also aware that asking for solicitations of any form in government is strictly prohibited,” added the Regional Director.

Director Siaton cautioned all personnel and officials of DOLE-7 as well as the public to be careful with such scam and other types of fraudulent activities, saying that it pays not to be fooled and not give in right away to unscrupulous letters or individuals asking for money.

“Let us all be careful these days. If needed, let us ask help from authorities to detect common scam tactics. Verifying the authenticity of anything received especially such that asks for money would greatly help,” advised the DOLE-7 Head.

The donation request used the letter head of the DOLE Central Office and the faked signature of the Secretary. (PR/DOLE)