In a recent announcement that has caused waves across the Filipino community, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has shed light on a rising scam targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). With an increasing number of reports about individuals and groups posing as OWWA collecting officers, the agency has taken a stand to inform and protect its members from these fraudulent activities involving OWWA membership scams, as shared in a report by Philstar Global.
OWWA Advisory on Membership Scams
OWWA’s advisory comes as a crucial reminder to OFWs about the perils lurking in the shadows, aiming to exploit the hard-earned money of Filipino workers abroad. These scammers, masquerading as deputized collecting officers, have been reported to approach OFWs with the offer of collecting their membership fees. Adding a layer of sophistication to their scheme, some of these individuals also promote fake apps designed to mimic OWWA’s official channels for fee collection.
The investigation led by OWWA has revealed that this scam is not a recent development. Since 2023, these fraudulent entities have been actively engaging in the illegal collection of OWWA membership fees, providing their victims with counterfeit receipts. This revelation highlights a systematic attempt to undermine the trust and security of OFWs relying on OWWA’s services.
Safeguarding Your Hard-Earned Money
In light of these findings, OWWA has issued a series of guidelines aimed at helping OFWs steer clear of these scams. The agency emphasizes the importance of conducting transactions directly through its regional offices or the official OWWA mobile app. By doing so, OFWs can ensure the authenticity of their transactions and avoid falling prey to these deceptive practices.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Before You Pay: Always confirm the identity of the person or the legitimacy of the platform before making any payment related to your OWWA membership.
- Use Official Channels: Stick to OWWA’s recommended methods of payment, such as visiting regional offices or using the official mobile app.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with advisories from OWWA through their official website and social media channels.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter or suspect a scam, report it immediately to OWWA or local authorities to help prevent others from becoming victims.
The fight against scams targeting OFWs is not just the responsibility of OWWA but a collective effort that requires the vigilance of the entire community. By staying informed, exercising caution, and supporting one another, OFWs can safeguard themselves and their peers against these fraudulent schemes.
As we navigate through these challenging times, let us remember the importance of unity and vigilance. Together, we can create a safe environment for our kababayans striving for a better future abroad. Let’s keep our eyes open and support each other in every step of the way.