THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Northern Mindanao is warning the public of a latest scheme involving a certain entity called Senior Citizen and Elderly Welfare Club of the Philippines Inc. (Scew Club).

The group reportedly offers discount booklets using the name of the DTI for P300 that extends the claiming eligibility of senior citizen discounts to 40-59 years old.

According to a post on the DTI-Northern Mindanao’s Facebook page, members of the Scew Club can avail to a 20 percent discount to food establishments, hotels, public and private hospitals, public transportations, cinemas, among others.

“Please be warned that no such authority is granted by the department and the law to Scew Club. We have raised this matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission for investigation and appropriate action,” the DTI said.

The department added that under the Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, only the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) established in cities and municipalities shall have the authority to distribute IDs/Booklets for the grant of special discounts/privileges to senior citizens.

The DTI encouraged those who have already been swindled to file a criminal complaint and reach out to the National Bureau of Investigation.

For Senior Citizens’ complaints assistance, they can visit the nearest Osca or the Department of Social Welfare and Development.