The Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-Davao) has issued a critical public warning against a rising wave of scams. The alert, released on Monday, cautions citizens about individuals falsely posing as department officials to illegally solicit funds and extract sensitive personal data.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
According to the official advisory, DOH-Davao has received multiple reports of scammers contacting people via phone calls, text messages, and social media platforms. These impostors brazenly claim to be the regional director or other authorized representatives of the office.
Their tactics involve asking for donations, solicitations, or requesting confidential personal details under false pretenses. The department has made it unequivocally clear that it does not engage in any form of fundraising, request gift cards or bank transfers, or ask for personal information through these informal and unverified channels.
Official Protocols and Past Incidents
DOH-Davao emphasized that all legitimate transactions and processes are documented and conducted within the confines of its official premises. The agency specifically warned the public to be wary of any offer to "fast-track" services or any plea for emergency donations in exchange for cash, labeling all such propositions as fraudulent.
This latest advisory is not an isolated alert. It follows a series of similar incidents where the department's name and reputation have been misused. In December 2024, DOH-Davao had to clarify that the central office maintains only one verified Facebook page. This came after a fake account promoted a bogus medical product claiming to cure chronic sleep disorders.
Furthermore, in November 2024, the department debunked a viral but false claim that COVID-19 was caused by a bacterium exposed to radiation, which inaccurately linked deaths to blood coagulation.
A Recurring Problem and a Call for Vigilance
The department noted that it has repeatedly reminded the public that it does not conduct fundraising activities. This reminder extends to past emergencies, such as the 2017 Marawi siege, when unauthorized groups illicitly solicited donations using the DOH's name.
The public is urged to remain extremely vigilant and to verify any suspicious communication directly through the official DOH channels. The department's final directive is straightforward: "Do not engage with these unsculous individuals. Report fraudulent activities to DOH." This proactive stance aims to protect citizens from financial loss and identity theft, safeguarding the integrity of public health services in the Davao Region.
