The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issued a public advisory on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, alerting Filipinos about fraudulent Facebook accounts pretending to be Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, the National Statistician and Civil Registrar General (NSCRG).
According to the PSA, these imposter accounts have been attempting to mislead the public by posing as the official representative of the agency. The advisory emphasizes that Undersecretary Mapa does not maintain a personal Facebook account.
"We urge the public to exercise caution and vigilance," the PSA stated. "These fake accounts are not affiliated with the NSCRG or the PSA in any way."
The PSA advises citizens to be wary of any Facebook profiles or messages claiming to be from Undersecretary Mapa or the NSCRG. The agency recommends the following steps to avoid being scammed:
- Verify the source: Always check the profile information and posted content for inconsistencies. Legitimate accounts will have clear links to the PSA's official website (https://www.psa.gov.ph/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/social-services/786343508122423/posts/).
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: Fraudsters often use social media to initiate contact and solicit personal information or payments. Never share sensitive details with unverified accounts.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a fake account impersonating Undersecretary Mapa or the PSA, report it directly to Facebook using their reporting tools. You can also inform the PSA through their official email address (ons@psa.gov.ph) or by calling their hotline at (02) 8938 5267.
The PSA reiterated that all official announcements and communications from the agency will solely be disseminated through their designated channels: the PSA website and their verified Facebook page (PSAgovph).
This incident highlights the growing problem of social media impersonation scams. By following these guidelines and staying informed, Filipinos can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive tactics.