THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 warns consumers anew against scams using messages sent through cellular phones and by-email.
The latest e-mail scam attempt uses the name of Art Boncato, regional director of the Department of Tourism in the Davao Region.
Although the office rarely receives reports and inquiries on text scams, DTI 11 regional director Marizon S. Loreto said the information campaign relative to this must be made regularly to further empower consumers.
Based on the report of the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) of DTI 11, the office only got an average of four reports/inquiries per month on text scam during the last quarter of 2011, whereas in previous months, the office recorded more than 10 a month.
“This shows that consumers today are more vigilant. They already have the discernment to recognize which text messages are true and which are just scams,” she said.
The office released the following tips to detect a text scam:
*The text message was sent through an 11-digit mobile number instead of a special three or four-digit number. A legitimate raffle or promo sponsors have a special three or four-digit code from the mobile network providers that are used to register and notify participants through short messaging service (SMS);
*A subscriber has won a brand new car or a big amount from a raffle or contest when in fact, he didn’t join any;
*A subscriber is asked to send load or deposit a certain amount of cash as processing fee or tax payment prior to claiming the prize;
*A subscriber is rushed to claim the prize. Legitimate sales promotions are required to give winners 60-day period from the date of notification or announcement to claim the prize/s. More importantly, winners of promos with prizes exceeding P500 are required to be notified through registered mail, and not through text messages alone, per the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Text scams use bogus DTI permit number. Promo activities are required to have a permit from DTI, however, dubious text promos use bogus permit numbers to deceive subscribers. Consumers can verify the legitimacy of the promo with DTI.
Loreto said the public may reach the nearest DTI office anytime during office hours should they have consumer-related concerns. DTI 11 can be reached at (082) 224-0511. [DTI 11/JENMENDOZA]
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