The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday warned officials, employees, and the public against scammers using the name of Atty. Kevin R. Carpeso, Head Executive Assistant to the Secretary, and falsely invoking Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla to solicit money or donations.

The DILG said that the impostors have been contacting government officials and agencies through messaging apps such as Viber, Messenger, and Signal, pretending to represent the Office of the Secretary.

“All such messages are fraudulent and unauthorized,” the DILG advisory stated.

The agency emphasized that Atty. Carpeso, the Secretary, and the Office of the Secretary will never solicit or authorize money transfers, solicitations, or donations through personal accounts or informal messaging platforms. Official communications, it added, are only made through verified DILG channels such as government emails, official phone numbers, and formal correspondence.

“Everyone is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious messages, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified senders,” the Department said.

It also advised the public to contact only verified DILG communication channels for verification or reporting.

“The Department condemns this act and is working with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those involved,” the statement added. “Any misuse of the name of the Secretary or any DILG official for fraudulent gain will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”