DOH warns public vs. fake contact tracers

The Department of Health (DOH) has cautioned the public against giving information to a group of individuals claiming to be government contact tracers, saying this group is involved in extortion.

“We have received reports of citizens getting calls from certain individuals misrepresenting themselves as members of the DOH Contact Tracing Team. They maliciously ask for personal information and extort money in the process,” the DOH said.

“The public is advised to be vigilant and not entertain these calls. Do not give out your personal information and end the call. Take note of the number and block it. Do not put your security at risk,” it added.

The DOH also said that the public can report the incident to DOH's Call Center Hotline via telephone number (632) 8651-7800 local 5003-5004 or sending an email to callcenter@doh.gov.ph.

The DOH also said it has since coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the matter as it vowed to pursue legal action if needed.

“We condemn the perpetrators of these acts and warn the public against individuals who are taking advantage of this health crisis. The DOH will take the appropriate legal action as necessary,” the DOH said.

The DOH also reminded the public that they can verify the identity of the government’s contact tracing teams by checking with their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs). —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News