MANILA (UCAN): “Beware of fake donation drives. Let us help our fellow Filipinos and not take advantage of the calamities. Keep spreading the charity virus … but let us not fool others for selfish interests,” executive director of Caritas Manila, Father Anton Pascual, said on November 17.
He said Caritas had received reports that there were fake online donation drives on social media showing pictures of typhoon evacuees. Others showed Facebook accounts belonging to bogus foundations with personal bank accounts.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council issued a similar warning.
“We are issuing this warning to all our fellow Filipinos who wish to help the victims of the recent calamities. Please be careful and be cautious before giving any cash donation or aid. There are individuals who are taking advantage of this situation by fooling the public to believe they were legitimate charities,” it said.
Former head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, has posted on social media screenshots of a fake Facebook account supposedly belonging to him with messages asking for donations from churchgoers.
The appeal on the fake account says: “We are working on relief operations for our brethren in Cagayan (province) who are victims of the recent typhoon (Vamco) … Maybe we can ask from you some more sacks of rice and canned goods. Hoping to hear from you the soonest. God bless you always.”
Another message purporting to be from Archbishop Villegas was posted with bank details of a certain Monsignor Nicko San Buenaventura.
“Regards to everyone and see you soonest! Please advise once deposited so I can forward you an official receipt,” it said.
Former lawmaker, Bam Aquino, also shared screenshots of a fake non-government organisation called Kaya Natin (we can do it) that deceived donors of the legitimate Kaya Natin Movement foundation.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
“This is not acceptable, especially if this is meant to deceive Filipinos during this difficult time,” said the former lawmaker on social media.
Caritas urged people to ask their parish to verify non-government organisations and foundations before donating.
