It’s the season of giving, and unfortunately, also the season for online scams. A viral social media post has been circulating, falsely claiming that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is offering a P4,500 Christmas bonus to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This deceptive post instructs individuals to fill out a registration form to receive this supposed “Dswd Christmas Gift.” However, official sources confirm this is false and potentially dangerous.
The fake announcement, often shared across Facebook pages and groups, presents itself as an official “DSWD Announcement.” It targets 4Ps and Landbank beneficiaries, enticing them with a Christmas bonus upon completion of a registration form linked within the post. Recipients are promised further instructions on claiming this nonexistent bonus after registration.
The DSWD Agency Operations Service has officially debunked these claims. They clarified that the department does not use unofficial social media platforms to disseminate crucial announcements regarding their programs and services. Any information shared on unofficial pages should be treated with extreme caution. This is not an isolated incident. The DSWD has repeatedly warned the public about similar Christmas scams. Previously, false claims circulated about P7,000 Christmas cash gifts in exchange for survey participation. Other fake posts have also emerged, urging users to submit personal information via online forms to access nonexistent cash assistance. The DSWD emphasizes that they never request sensitive personal information online, as such practices violate the Data Privacy Act and put citizens at risk.
Crucially, the link provided in these deceptive posts does not lead to the official DSWD website or any legitimate government platform. Instead, these links often redirect to blog pages or other suspicious websites. VirusTotal, a reputable link checker, has flagged the link associated with this particular “dswd christmas gift” scam as a potential phishing attempt. Engaging with these forms and submitting personal details can expose users to malware and phishing risks, potentially compromising their personal and financial information. Falling victim to phishing scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other serious consequences.
To stay informed and avoid falling prey to these online deceptions, always rely on official DSWD channels for accurate information. Visit the official DSWD website (http://www.dswd.gov.ph/) and follow their verified social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, especially concerning a “dswd christmas gift” or similar cash assistance, it most likely is a scam. Protect yourself by verifying information directly from trusted, official sources and being wary of unofficial online announcements and registration forms.
