2006-12-18
ABM-8-2005 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto would like to warn the public about the so-called “text scam” whereby the victim is informed through short messaging service or “text” that he won millions of pesos in a raffle draw purportedly sponsored by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), or other institutions.
The swindlers who use fictitious names or pose as government officials would try to get their victim to remit money to the swindlers or to deposit it in designated bank accounts, supposedly for the payment of tax and other fees, as a precondition to getting the alleged prize. Once the victim remits or deposits the money, the swindlers immediately get the same, and the victim will no longer hear from the swindlers again.
Those who receive such text messages or have been victimized by this fraud are advised to immediately report the matter to the Anti-Money Laundering Council Secretariat, 5th floor, EDPC Building, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complez, Manila, Philippines, with telephone numbers 302-3982 and 524-7011 local 2372.