Despite the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, government agencies remain vulnerable to having their names exploited in text scams.

On Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disavowed any connection to a phone number soliciting money for typhoon victims.

The BI stated that a private contractor in Zamboanga received messages from 0997-108-8490, with the sender falsely claiming authorization from Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado.

Viado denied any involvement, stressing that he has never been associated with monetary solicitations or donations.

According to the BI, the same number has been linked to similar schemes targeting other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The BI is coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the scam. The agency warned the public against interacting with messages from the aforementioned number or from anyone falsely using the BI’s name or that of its commissioner.