TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Eastern Visayas are warning residents to remain vigilant as text and online scams continue to rise, targeting unsuspecting individuals across the region.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said scammers are increasingly posing as representatives of government agencies, banks, and well-known companies to steal personal information and money. Fraudulent messages often claim that recipients have won prizes or request sensitive data such as verification codes, bank details, or other personal information.
“These schemes are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, especially during the holiday season when online activity is higher,” PRO-8 said. Authorities reminded the public not to respond to suspicious messages or click on unknown links, which could compromise personal information or lead to financial loss.
PRO-8 urged recipients to verify the legitimacy of any message through official communication channels of the alleged sender. Individuals who encounter suspicious texts or online messages are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the nearest police station or via PRO-8’s official contact points.
“Vigilance and prompt reporting are essential to prevent scams and protect the public from falling victim to cybercriminals,” the regional police office added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
