Gov't agencies dragged in text scams

Government agencies remain vulnerable to text scams, despite the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act.

On Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disowned any connection with a mobile number soliciting donations allegedly for typhoon victims.

In a statement, the BI said a private contractor in Zamboanga received messages from mobile number 0997 108 8490, with the sender claiming that the solicitation was authorized by Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado.

Viado categorically denied the claim, saying he has never been involved in any form of monetary solicitation or fundraising activity.

According to the BI, the same number has also been linked to similar scams targeting other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The bureau said it is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the scam.

The public is warned not to interact with messages from the said number or any messages falsely using the BI’s name or that of Commissioner Viado.