DTI warns of online fraud vs ‘gov’t-affiliated’ entities

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued an advisory to the public regarding online entities that claim to be affiliated with government agencies to extort money from business compani es.

In the advisory sent to Sun.Star Pampanga, it was noted that several online entities pose as authorized branches of government agencies and invite companies abroad to participate in government bidding transact i ons.

Eight illegitimate organizations namely Philippine Project Award Commission, Champs Court, Champions Court Business Consulting Agency Services, Project Award Commission Board, Tender Procurement Unit Philippines, Project Award Commission, Central Procurement Agency of the Philippine Government, and Philippines Procurement Unit Committee were identified by the DTI to be behind the illegal online transactions.

“The identified online entities are not listed, nor affiliated with government agencies in the Philippines, hence, they are not authorized to transact government tenders such as bidding procedures,” the advisory read.

DTI also warned individuals who identify themselves as representatives or agents of any unauthorized procurement entities companies abroad to participate in government bidding transactions and collect registration fees through the internet of the criminal liability they may f ace.

“All those involved in the said illegal transactions will be reported to the proper authority so appropriate penalties and charges will be assessed and imposed on them,” it said.

The agency also asked the public to exercise discretion before engaging in such kinds of activities and take the necessary precautions in dealing with dubious and unauthorized entities.

It also urged public to report any information relatedtotheoperation of deceptive entities and other similar schemes by coordinating with the agency’s Bureau of Import Services through their email address bis_ifd@dti.gov.ph.