OFWs in Hong Kong warned about scam messages offering fake 'ayuda'

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong advised overseas Filipino workers in the special administrative region of China to be alert for scam messages offering fake assistance allegedly from the Hong Kong government.

The scam messages, which are being sent via WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook supposedly offer free groceries worth up to HK$5,000, free eye checkup, and free eyeglasses, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

The scammers may use the personal information given by victims in opening stooge accounts or fake accounts that may be used for money laundering and other crimes, the consulate said.

"Hinihikayat ang lahat na maging maingat at mapanuri dahil ang mga scammers ay maaaring mag-alok ng mga magaganda at diumano'y libreng handog at pabuya para mahikayat ang mga biktima na ibigay ang mga personal na impormasyon na kanila namang gagamitin sa pagbukas ng stooge accounts para sa money laundering at iba pang krimen. Kaya po laging maging mapagmatyag at mapanuri sa mga random na mensaheng natatanggap online," it said in an advisory posted on Facebook.

(We urge everyone to be careful and discerning because scammers may offer good and allegedly free gifts and assistance to encourage victims to give their personal information which may be used in opening stooge accounts for money laundering and other crimes. Be observant and critical of random messages received online.)

Those who have received such scam messages may file a report with the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force via its Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

Filipinos may also seek assistance from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong by emailing the Assistance-To-Nationals Section at atn.hkpcg@gmail.com. —KG, GMA Integrated News