PNP intensifies drive vs fake gov’t aid distributors targeting seniors

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its crackdown on scammers posing as government aid distributors after senior citizens in Cebu and Aklan were allegedly tricked into letting the suspects into their homes.

“We have directed our local police units to closely coordinate with concerned government agencies and immediately act on reports involving individuals impersonating government personnel,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.

He issued the directive after reported incidents in Talisay City, Cebu, and Ibajay, Aklan, where suspects allegedly used supposed government assistance to gain entry into the homes of elderly residents.

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In Cebu, two men reportedly identified themselves as employees of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) and claimed they were distributing P6,000 in financial assistance.

The suspects entered the 77-year-old man’s home under the guise of conducting a check-up and stole his P60,000 necklace and wallet containing P600.

Osca later denied that the men were its employees and said it had no ongoing distribution of such financial assistance.

In Aklan, a woman allegedly posed as a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) employee and offered a senior citizen P10,000 in aid. 

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She reportedly asked for the victim’s Senior Citizen ID and was allowed inside after saying she needed to use the bathroom. Two other individuals later entered the house. 

After the group left, the victim discovered that an envelope containing P15,000 and 140 euros was missing. 

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The group also reportedly attempted to approach another senior citizen in Kalibo, Aklan, but was prevented from doing so by the victim’s grandchild.

The PNP chief said senior citizens who encounter suspicious individuals offering supposed government aid should seek assistance from family members, neighbors, or the police.

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“The public should always verify the identity and authorization of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, especially those offering financial assistance,” added Nartatez. /atm