Public warned vs ‘bishop’ scammers

The Diocese of Digos on Thursday has alerted the public against scammers posing as a Catholic bishop to mulct money from people.

In a public advisory, the diocese said that they have received a report stating that some unscrupulous individuals have been using the name of Bishop Guillermo Afable to solicit money.

“Beware of scammers. Do not entertain solicitations thru text or social media for earthquake victims using the name of Bishop Jimmy Afable or the Diocese of Digos,” the advisory read.

The solicited money, based on the scammers, is supposedly to be given to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Davao del Sur on 15 December.

It is not the first time a member of the Catholic Church’s name was used to ask money from the public.

In April, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco’s name was also used by scammers to solicit financial help for his supposed medical procedure.

In July, Batanes Bishop Danilo Ulep also warned the public against individuals using his name to seek donations on social media for the victims of the double earthquake that rocked the province.

To prevent being victimized by such money-making schemes, the diocese urged the public to undergo verification first.

“Always conduct fact check first. The DSAC (Diocesan Social Action Center) is open to assist you with your inquiries,” the diocese said.