DTI warns public against 12 scams this Christmas
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has cautioned the public against "SCAMonsters" or people who are involved in fraudaulent practices and take advantage of people's generosity, especially this Christmas season.
DTI Cebu Consumer Welfare Chief Zaide Bation advised the public to practice caution this holiday rush.
"When it's too good to be true, please beware, it might be a scam," Bation said.
While there has been no reported scam cases in DTI Cebu yet as of December, the official reminded the public to be vigilant as scams are usually on the rise during the Christmas season.
12 common scams
DTI has identified 12 common SCAMonsters preying on innocent consumers.
The first one are "fake charities." The scammers aim to take advantage of people's generosity and compassion, and tags unknown institutions into their solicitation activities. DTI advised the public to just say "no," or donate to known and legitimate charities instead.
Next are the "holiday raffle" and the "unregistered Christmas sale." Under these scheme, people are lured to buy things on a specified period and are promised of a raffle draw to win exciting prizes. DTI recommended that consumers check first the DTI permit in posters and print ads or find in the DTI website the list of approved sales promo.
The fourth most common SCAMonster is the "online gadget give-away" spree. This is mostly visible in unverified social media accounts wherein a company or organization attracts netizens with likes, shares, and comments in exchange of gadgets such as flatscreen TVs and latest gadgets. Instead of spreading misinformation, DTI advises netizens to report the page.
Another popular yet fraudaulent practices in the Internet today are "malicious online shopping websites" that do not deliver items to the consumer after they were paid. How to spot them? DTI said their URL (link) is "not secured;" there are a lot of click advertisements; and the purchase does not have terms and conditions. The trade agency said it also wise to read customer reviews.
Like malicious online shopping, the same illegitimate practices are adopted by "seasonal travel scams." They attract would-be travelers with travel promos, but they usually have no physical office, company registration documents, and business licenses.
"Holiday decors gone wrong," is also a common phenomenon this season, said DTI. Sellers offer fake Christmas items; the most common are Christmas lights that bear no ICC mark. Without the ICC sticker on it, the item did not pass DTI's mandatory safety tests.
The eighth SCAMonsters are those that engage in "holiday SMiShing." This is phishing via text message that asks for cellphone load in exchange of exciting prizes. Text messages come from unknown numbers, and some use DTI permit and some random number to legitimize their fake cause. DTI said consumers can report such cases to the online complaint page of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
DTI also warned the public against "networking/pyramid scams." Instead of giving in to its too attractive promises, the trade agency recommends that those who are interested to go into business may visit their nearest Negosyo Centers where they can get free business consultation, seminars and mentorship programs.
Also be aware of "cyber thieves," said DTI. They usually charm people with new mobile apps that can be downloaded for free in exhange of bank details.
The eleventh SCAMonsters are those that sell "bogus gift certificates." To get rid of this, DTI advised consumers to buy gift cards and certificates directly from the establishments.
Lastly and the most vicious of them all, according to DTI, is "ATM skimming."
Be vigilant
DTI said this means saying goodbye to your 13th month pay and yearend bonus. Always checking the card slot, keypad, cash dispenser, and surroundings when withdrawing cash from an ATM is highly recommended. The trade agency also informed the public to report ATM skimming incidents to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).