PNP warns vs fraud as Christmas nears

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to be vigilant against various frauds and scams, including the proliferation of fake peso bills, as the Christmas season approaches.

With Filipinos abroad expected to send money for their families in the Philippines, for their holiday spending, PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo warned that crimes against property, including theft and robbery, as well as fraud and deceit, go up during the holidays.

The police called on Filipinos to be cautious in their transactions, particularly when making purchases.

“Ang paalala natin sa ating kababayan ay magpapalit sila ng pinaghirapan nilang mga pera sa mga authorized money changer (We remind our countrymen to transact with legitimate and authorized money exchange dealers),” Fajardo said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier advised the public to use the “Feel-Look-Tilt” method in checking the security features of banknotes.

Fajardo, on the other hand, said that people should also be careful in buying gifts and supplies, especially from online shops, and to start buying now to avoid the holiday rush.