PHL embassy in Saudi warns vs new email scam

Philippine officials in Saudi Arabia have issued a warning against an email scam using the Philippine Embassy's name to victimize overseas Filipino workers.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said the latest scam used the name of the embassy in Muscat (Oman), asking for the target OFW's personal data.

"All Filipinos under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh are therefore cautioned and reminded not to give out personal information or follow instructions as stated in such kind of emails, especially those that are purportedly promising cash prizes and using Philippine government offices as channels, without verifying their authenticity with the help of the proper authorities," it said.

It said that in the Oman incident, an OFW approached the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan after receiving an email allegedly from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat.

The supposed email claimed the OFW won a bonanza of 500,000 pounds (P35.596 million) and asking him to send his personal details in reply to receive the prize money.

“Let us try to raise our awareness and be on guard against unscrupulous and insidious cyber criminals who will try all sorts of trickery to steal other people’s identities or swindle their hard earned money," Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor warned.

He said any email scam or incident of similar nature can be brought to the attention of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh at its official contact details:
Telephone: 01-482-3559
Fax: 01-488-3945
Email: filembry@sbm.net.sa
Villamor noted scammers may be exploiting the "credibility and high approval ratings" of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service. — LBG, GMA

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