The Philippine National Police has warned senior citizens to be cautious of individuals posing as government employees and offering financial assistance as part of a scam targeting elderly residents.
The warning followed separate incidents in Cebu and Aklan in which suspected scammers allegedly used promises of government aid to gain access to senior citizens’ homes before stealing cash and valuables.
Police have directed units nationwide to coordinate with government agencies and verify anyone claiming to represent a government office distributing financial assistance.
Suspects posed as senior citizen affairs workers
In Talisay City, Cebu, two men allegedly introduced themselves as employees of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs and claimed they were distributing P6,000 in financial assistance.
The men reportedly gained the trust of a 77-year-old man and were allowed inside his home under the pretext of conducting a check-up.
After entering the residence, the suspects allegedly stole a necklace worth around P60,000 and a wallet containing P600.
The local senior citizens affairs office later denied that the two men were its employees and said it was not conducting any distribution of financial assistance.
Similar scam reported in Aklan
A similar incident was reported in Ibajay, Aklan, where a woman allegedly posed as a representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
She reportedly offered a senior citizen P10,000 in financial assistance and asked to see the victim’s Senior Citizen ID.
The woman was then allowed inside the victim’s home after allegedly saying she needed to use the bathroom.
After she left, the victim discovered that an envelope containing P15,000 and 140 euros was missing.
The same group reportedly attempted to approach another senior citizen in Kalibo but was stopped by the victim’s grandchild.
Police urge elderly residents to verify identities
The PNP said the incidents demonstrate how criminals can exploit senior citizens by using legitimate government programmes as a cover for theft.
Police chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the scheme and urged the public to verify the identity and authorization of anyone claiming to represent a government agency.
Senior citizens and their families are advised not to allow unfamiliar individuals into their homes simply because they claim to be distributing government assistance.
They should instead contact the relevant government office directly to confirm whether an aid programme or home visit is genuine.
The PNP is coordinating with concerned government agencies as authorities investigate the reported incidents and work to prevent similar scams from targeting other elderly residents.
For senior citizens, police stressed that verifying an individual’s identity before providing access to a home or personal information can help prevent criminals from exploiting government assistance programmes as a way to gain their trust.
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