DHSUD warns vs. persons posing as housing officials

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Wednesday warned against individuals who are posing as officials that are part of the government’s housing project.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras”, the agency said it received several reports of scammers allegedly using the names of their officials including DHSUD Secretary Jerry Acuzar to lure victims.

“‘Pagka po mayroon nang lumalapit na indibidwal o organization o entity na nagsasabi sila ay involved po sa pambansang pabahay program e makipag ugnayan na po agad either sa local government unit (LGU) o sa aming tanggapan dito po sa DSHUD para po ma verify po agad natin,” said DHSUD Spokesperson Avelino Tolentino.

(When an individual, organization, or entity approached you and said they are involved with the housing project, it is best to coordinate either with the local government unit (LGU) or here in the DHSUD for verification.)

Tolentino said the agency had already sought the help of the Philippine National Police to investigate the scheme. He added the DHSUD expected such scams to emerge due to the scope of the government program.

Further, the DHSUD issued an advisory reminding the public to only inquire about the details of the housing program with their respective LGUs and official government channels such as the Home Development or PAG-IBIG fund, Social Housing Finance Corporation, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, and National Housing Authority.

No private individuals or groups are likewise authorized to represent the department, it added.

“Ang aming pong tanggapan, hindi po magdadalawang isip na mag pursue po ng action dito sa mga kababayan nating nagiisip na pagsamantalahan itong ating programa,” said Tolentino.

Those who are interested to avail of the housing program may seek the assistance of their LGUs to be listed under the eligible beneficiaries, the DHSUD said. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News