Puerto Princesa Residents Raised Concern Over Alleged Identity Theft Scheme
Puerto Princesa residents have raised concerns over an alleged identity theft scheme offering P200 for National ID scams.
Residents of Barangay Bagong Sikat in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, have raised concerns over an alleged scheme in which individuals were offered P200 in exchange for scanning their National IDs and providing photos of their faces.
According to residents interviewed by Radyo Bandera, three women reportedly visited their community and encouraged people to register for an e-wallet application. Those who agreed were asked to present their National IDs and submit facial photos in exchange for cash.
Some residents became worried that their personal information could be used for illegal activities, including online scams and fraudulent financial transactions.
The residents also claimed that the women presented the money as government assistance. However, the activity reportedly did not go through the barangay for verification, raising questions about the purpose of the registration and the identity of the people behind it.
Their concerns grew after a similar incident was reported in Barangay Calategas, Narra, Palawan. In that case, two residents were reportedly facing complaints related to a financial scam, with concerns that their personal information may have been used in online fraudulent activities.
The incident has added to fears among residents of Bagong Sikat, who want to know whether their information could also be misused after they participated in the registration.
Those who provided their identification documents and personal details are now reportedly preparing to file a complaint. They also want authorities to investigate the alleged recruitment activity and identify the individuals involved.
Residents are calling for proper action to ensure that their identities and personal information are protected from possible misuse.
Authorities have yet to establish the purpose of the alleged scheme based on the available information. An investigation is needed to determine whether any personal data was misused and whether a crime was committed.
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