The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 has strengthened the knowledge of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries on protecting their finances through a Family Development Session (FDS) focused on avoiding and identifying financial scams. The session was conducted by 4Ps City Link Maria Regin Balaga, assigned to Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, to help 4Ps partner-beneficiaries understand and avoid various fake investment and lending schemes commonly used by scammers.
Targeting Vulnerable Families
According to DSWD 7, fraudsters often target poor families with promises of quick and large profits. To combat this, participants were given practical knowledge and guidance on recognizing signs of fraud to protect their income and the cash grants intended for their family's health, education, and nutrition. During the session, FDS learning kits and visual aids were used to help participants better understand the methods used by scammers.
Common Scams Discussed
Among the topics discussed were fake investment offers, pyramid schemes, advance-fee scams, and other red flags that consumers should watch out for. Beneficiaries were reminded of the proper steps to take if they become victims of a scam and were encouraged to be cautious in every transaction and investment opportunity. The discussion also emphasized the importance of proper management and protection of their hard-earned income and the aid they receive from the program against fraudulent schemes that promise easy wealth.
Beneficiary Testimonial
For Hermilin C. Perez, a 4Ps partner-beneficiary from Barangay Basak, the session greatly helped broaden her knowledge against financial scams. "Many have offered me to join such schemes because they supposedly yield big profits, but for me, there is no easy money; it must be earned through hard work. We should not easily fall for promises of quick income, especially when they ask for a large amount of money," Perez said. She added that through the Family Development Session, her understanding of financial scams and ways to avoid them has deepened.
Through guided discussions and real-life examples, DSWD encourages beneficiaries to become responsible in managing their financial situation and to be more alert and informed consumers. DSWD Field Office 7 continues to promote Family Development Sessions as a platform for expanding knowledge, strengthening communities, and empowering families under the 4Ps program.
