PAGCOR issues warning over impersonation scam targeting public

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a warning against scammers impersonating its top executives to deceive individuals and businesses.

According to PAGCOR, multiple complaints have been received from individuals and business owners about fraudulent messages sent via Viber, falsely claiming to be from Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and President and COO Wilma Eisma. The scammers are using mobile numbers registered under the executives’ names — 09517359836 for Tengco and 09382857343 for Eisma — to contact potential victims.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and avoid engaging with any unsolicited messages that appear to come from PAGCOR executives,” Tengco said.

“These fraudulent schemes pose a serious risk to the public; hence, we ask everyone to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious messages to the authorities, especially those that promise financial windfalls,” he added.

Tengco advised the public to verify any communication through PAGCOR’s official website, www.pagcor.ph, or through its official trunkline numbers, (02) 85211542 and (02) 85220299.

The warning comes after PAGCOR previously alerted the public about a website falsely claiming to issue gaming licenses and accreditations using fake forms and bogus content.

Authorities urge anyone who receives suspicious messages from unknown sources claiming to be PAGCOR officials to report the incident immediately.