DSWD warns vs fake news on online applications for fuel aid

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday warned the public against falling for supposed online applications for fuel assistance from the agency.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, the DSWD disowned text messages about online applications or links to cash aid for public transport drivers.

“Hindi totoo ang kumakalat na text message na nag-aalok ng ‘fuel assistance’ gamit ang pangalan ng DSWD,” it said.

(The circulating text messages that fuel assistance are being offered by the DSWD are not true.)

The DSWD said some individuals are taking advantage of the distribution of cash relief to the public transport sector by spreading fake news in order to get personal information from their victims.

“Mahigpit na paalala: Walang ipinapadalang online application o link ang DSWD para sa anumang tulong-pinansyal. Ginagawa ito para maiwasan ang panlilinlang at maprotektahan ang publiko,” it said.

(A strict reminder: the DSWD does not send online application or links for any financial assistance. This is to protect the public and prevent them from being scammed.)

The post was accompanied by a screenshot of a message, which said the recipient is an eligible beneficiary for a supposed P3,000 e-fuel voucher. The message included a link that the recipient should click to supposedly avail of the voucher.

The DSWD added that it is distributing cash relief assistance to public transport drivers in person, based on lists submitted and validated by local government units (LGUs), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and transport network companies (TNCs).

“Kung makatanggap ng ganitong mensahe, siguraduhing huwag i-click ang anumang link at huwag magbahagi ng inyong personal na impormasyon para hindi mabiktima ng SCAM,” it said.

(If you receive a similar message, be sure not to click any links and do not share personal information to avoid being a victim of a scam.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News