PAGCOR warns public anew, says scammers posing as executives
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has warned about scammers impersonating its top executives to deceive individuals and businesses. The warning comes a day after the regulatory agency warned against fake websites.
PAGCOR reported receiving multiple complaints from individuals and business owners about fraudulent Viber messages claiming to be from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco and President and Chief Operating Officer Wilma Eisma. The fraudsters are using mobile numbers registered under the executives’ names.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and avoid engaging with any unsolicited messages that appear to come from PAGCOR executives,” Tengco stated.
He also warned that such scams pose a risk to the public, urging everyone to be vigilant. “These fraudulent schemes pose a serious risk to the public; hence, we ask everyone to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious messages to the authorities, especially those that promise financial windfalls,” he said.
Public advised to verify communications
The PAGCOR Chairman advised individuals to verify any communication they receive through PAGCOR’s official website, www.pagcor.ph, and legitimate contact numbers. He further warned against engaging with unauthorised platforms, stressing that PAGCOR does not reach out to individuals through informal messaging apps for financial transactions or gaming-related matters.
Fake website issuing fraudulent gaming licences
On Monday, PAGCOR also warned against a fake website claiming to issue gaming licences and accreditations under the domain www.pagcorphilippines.com. Tengco strongly advised the public to avoid interacting with this site.
“We urge the public not to download anything or transact through the said fake website because it is definitely not from PAGCOR, and all its contents are spurious,” Tengco said. He pointed out that accreditation forms found on the website contain a forged signature. “The accreditation forms bear a forged signature that does not belong to me,” he stated.
PAGCOR has reported the fake website to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and is working to track down those responsible. “We are also working to identify the persons behind this fraud, and we shall go after them with the full force and extent of the law,” the PAGCOR Chairman added.
The fraudulent website was created on 22 February, a Saturday when PAGCOR offices were closed, suggesting an intent to mislead applicants. “It is clearly intended to fool people, particularly those who are seeking licences to operate from PAGCOR,” Tengco warned.
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