4Ps beneficiaries targeted by fake bonus scam, DSWD alerts public

MANILA (December 11) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned the public about misleading social media posts claiming that Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries will receive Christmas bonuses.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said these posts are false and may be used by scammers to collect private information from unsuspecting beneficiaries. “This is not true and could be a mechanism for online scammers,” she said.

Dumlao, also the department’s Data Protection Officer, urged beneficiaries not to click on links or share such posts. She emphasized that all official information comes only from municipal or city links, and the official 4Ps and DSWD social media pages.

“The DSWD ensures that beneficiary details are never posted publicly, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act,” she said. She added that the public should remain vigilant against misinformation and never share private information online.

The DSWD encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious posts or activity to report them via the Integrated Grievance Redress Management System (IGRMS) at https://i-grs.dswd.gov.ph or the official 4Ps Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DSWDPantawidPamilya.

“Let’s work together to stop fake news that causes confusion,” Dumlao said.