The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has warned the public against fake donation drives following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao three days ago.
Potential Exploitation by Scammers
The agency cautioned that some groups may take advantage of the needs of those affected to launch fraudulent donation campaigns and raise funds for personal gain.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso explained that these groups often persuade donors to give cash instead of in-kind donations. They frequently use social media to reach more donors.
According to Paraiso, these scammers do not provide breakdowns or receipts for the donations collected. Once they have raised enough money, they disappear, depriving the intended beneficiaries of the aid.
Zero Trust Policy Recommended
Director Paraiso advised the public to adopt a zero-trust policy to avoid falling victim to such scams. He urged donors to verify the legitimacy of any donation drive before contributing.
