07/04/2026
PUBLIC ADVISORY
Fraudulent Spoofing Schemes Involving NGO Sponsorship and Charity Solicitations
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) warns the public against the proliferation of fraudulent schemes perpetrated by criminal syndicates who impersonate government officials and prominent personalities to solicit sponsorships and charitable donations under the guise of legitimate non-government organizations (NGOs).
Reports indicate that victims are being contacted through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media platforms, wherein perpetrators falsely claim affiliation with recognized NGOs and exploit the trust and credibility associated with the individuals they impersonate.
The public is particularly cautioned against the use of caller ID spoofing technology, a method that enables perpetrators to manipulate phone numbers and make calls or messages appear as though they originate from legitimate and registered contact numbers of known officials or personalities. In certain instances, even return calls may connect to seemingly legitimate lines, further complicating verification and increasing the risk of deception.
Common indicators of this fraudulent activity include:
โขUnsolicited communication indicating that the recipient has been โselectedโ as a sponsor or donor;
โขImposition of urgency or pressure to remit funds immediately;
โขRequests for payments to be transferred to pe
rsonal or unofficial accounts; and
โขAbsence of formal written requests or documentation on official letterhead.
In this regard, the NBI strongly advises the public to exercise heightened vigilance and to refrain from transferring money based solely on phone calls, messages, or online communications, regardless of how authentic the source may appear.
All solicitations must be independently verified through official and trusted channels. The public is encouraged to directly contact the concerned official or organization using verified contact details not provided by the soliciting party, and to require formal documentation, including proof of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), where applicable.
โThese syndicates are deliberately exploiting the publicโs trust in government officials and respected personalities. We remind everyone that in todayโs digital environment, even legitimate-looking numbers and identities can be manipulated. Vigilance is our first line of defenseโverify first before you give. The NBI will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who prey on the goodwill of our people,โ said NBI Director Atty. Melvin D. Matibag.
Individuals who believe they have been targeted or victimized by such schemes are urged to immediately report the matter to the NBI Cybercrime Division through the following:
๐ Telephone: (02) 8523-8231 local 3724
๐ง Email: [email protected]
The NBI reiterates that perpetrators of such acts shall be dealt with in accordance with the law and may be held liable under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), the Revised Penal Code provisions on Estafa, and other relevant laws.
The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the public against cyber-enabled fraud and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
When in doubt, verify.
