Fake Aid Distributors Target Senior Citizens in Cebu and Aklan
Thieves posing as aid distributors are targeting senior citizens and stealing their money and jewelry.
Several senior citizens in Cebu and Aklan recently fell victim to thieves who pretended to be government workers offering financial assistance. The suspects managed to gain the trust of elderly residents before stealing money and valuable belongings from them.
One of the victims was 77-year-old Santiago Padillo from Talisay City, Cebu. According to reports, two men approached him and acted as if they had known him for a long time. They introduced themselves as workers from the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and claimed they were distributing P6,000 in financial aid to senior citizens.
Padillo welcomed the men into his home. The suspects even pretended to conduct a health check-up to make their visit appear legitimate. However, after they left, Padillo discovered that his necklace worth around P60,000 and his wallet containing P600 were missing.
Authorities later confirmed that the two men were not connected with OSCA. The agency also clarified that it was not conducting any aid distribution program. Police have already identified one of the suspects and continue their investigation.
A similar incident was reported in Ibajay, Aklan. An 88-year-old senior citizen was approached by a woman who claimed to be from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
She told the elderly resident that P10,000 in financial assistance was available but that a Senior Citizen ID was needed first.
The woman then asked to use the bathroom and was allowed inside the house. Soon after, two companions arrived and also requested to use the restroom. After the group left, the victim noticed that an envelope containing P15,000 and 140 Euros had disappeared from a room inside the house.
The same group reportedly attempted to target another senior citizen in Kalibo, but the victim’s grandchild became suspicious and prevented the scam from succeeding.
Police are now pursuing the suspects and reminding the public, especially senior citizens, to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government agency before allowing them into their homes.
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