DFA warns Pinoys vs. so-called ‘Middle East compensation package’

A possible online scheme to steal money from unsuspecting individuals may be using professional social networking sites, the Department of Foreign Affairs warned Filipinos on Thursday.

Citing information several Filipinos in the Middle East have received messages that could potentially steal their personal account information, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi particularly warned expatriates against a so-called "Middle East Compensation Package," the DFA said.

In a statement on Thursday, it also said "recipients of such messages were instructed to make arrangements with the paying bank for the release of this compensation.  The phone number and email address of the contact person were also provided by the sender."

But upon consultation by the Embassy with the bank’s IT and Fraud Department, it was determined that “phishing” is evident in the messages, and that it was designed to steal money, the DFA said.

Also it noted that several overseas Filipinos have already been victimized by scam operators who have designed schemes promising business or personal partnerships.

The DFA urges the public to exercise caution in communicating with unknown individuals through social networking sites, especially those that ask for personal information. — LBG, GMA News

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