The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a critical public alert regarding a sophisticated phone scam. The agency warns citizens about individuals falsely claiming to be DOTr officials in an attempt to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Impersonation of a Senior Official
According to official reports, a fraudulent caller is actively targeting government personnel. The scammer is using the mobile number +639675241412 and pretending to be DOTr Undersecretary Ramon Reyes. The impersonator has reportedly been calling regional directors of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a key agency under the DOTr.
The primary objective of these unauthorized calls is to deceitfully obtain the victims' online banking credentials. The scammer engages the targets under the guise of official business, creating a false sense of urgency or authority to trick them into divulging confidential details.
Official DOTr Policy on Information Requests
The Department of Transportation has taken a firm and clear stance against these malicious activities. In its official statement, the DOTr emphasized a critical policy: its officials, including undersecretaries, and all employees will never ask for personal or online banking information under any circumstances.
This serves as a fundamental rule for the public to recognize legitimate communications. The agency reminds everyone to exercise extreme caution and never disclose sensitive data such as passwords, one-time PINs (OTP), or account numbers during unsolicited phone calls.
How to Stay Protected and Report Fraud
All authentic communications from the Department of Transportation and its senior officials are conducted through the agency's verified and official channels. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of any caller claiming to represent the DOTr.
If you receive a suspicious call similar to this scam, the DOTr instructs you to take immediate action. Report the incident directly to the designated commuter hotline at 09209643687. By reporting, you help authorities track these criminals and prevent others from becoming victims.
This alert, issued on January 5, 2026, underscores the ongoing need for public awareness against evolving social engineering and phishing tactics used by fraudsters.
