17 May 2006 — Philippine Ambassador to Berne, Switzerland Rora Navarro Tolentino reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy has circulated an advisory to the Filipino community in Switzerland warning them about a text scam currently circulating that entices would-be victims, particularly OFWs, with a cash prize of US$40,000.

Ambassador Tolentino said that the text message comes from a company called CF Philippines Special Division Office – Pangkabuhayan 2006 para sa OFW with a given address at RCBC Bldg., 8th Floor, Rm. 803, Makati City, and mentions specific names of Philippine Government officials and agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, with their complete addresses and contact numbers.

The Ambassador explained that the scam text message contains specific instructions on how to claim the prize by transferring money through Western Union to a legitimate contact person who has a valid address and telephone number.

Ambassador Tolentino said that a Filipino in Switzerland had already been victimized, having been defrauded of US$500 and €100.  “The victim had personally sought the Embassy’s assistance in informing Filipinos in Switzerland about the scam,” the Ambassador said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call to Filipinos overseas to ignore any text message or e-mail that informs the recipient that he or she has won a large sum of money in a lottery or raffle.  The  Department requests any Filipino overseas who may receive such messages to immediately inform the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the area so that an advisory may be circulated immediately to warn the public of the text or e-mail scam.  END