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PH envoy to US warns vs fake texts, accounts impersonating him
The Philippines' ambassador to Washington on Tuesday warned that malicious actors have been impersonating him through text messages and calls to solicit money or favors.
"For anyone receiving messages or calls from this number, this is not me. Kindly asking everyone to avoid engaging and to report this number if contacted. You may also verify any communications by contacting our embassy directly," Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said on X.
Romualdez posted a screenshot of one account with his photo using the name "Babes Romualdez" with mobile number +14453143456.
For anyone receiving messages or calls from this number, this is not me. Kindly asking everyone to avoid engaging and to report this number if contacted. You may also verify any communications by contacting our Embassy directly. @philippinesusa pic.twitter.com/RKDFVYiIcw
— Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (@PHLAmbUSA) October 6, 2025
In a separate statement, the Philippine Embassy in Washington advised the public not to engage, click links, or send money to anyone claiming to be the ambassador or embassy officials from unofficial accounts.
These messages, it said, have been attempting to solicit personal information, money, favors, or “official” engagements.
"The embassy and Ambassador DO NOT solicit money, personal/financial information, or private communications through unofficial or personal accounts. Legitimate engagements are coordinated by embassy offices through official addresses and channels," it said.
Recipients of said messages or calls should check its authenticity and verify it by contacting the embassy only through its official channels listed on its website, it said.
According to the embassy, official announcements and invitations are issued on embassy letterhead or through verified embassy platforms and email domains.
"Look for red flags: unusual requests, urgency/pressure, grammar or style inconsistent with official communications, non-official email domains, or personal messaging apps for 'official' matters," it said.
For a full directory of official embassy emails and contact points, the public can visit: https://tinyurl.com/wdcpedirectory —AOL, GMA Integrated News
