IPPO Renews Warning Against Police Impersonation Text Scam

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has once again warned the public about scammers posing as high-ranking police officials.

Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, said the scheme remains the same: the scammer pretends to have official connections and solicits mobile phone load or small amounts of money via mobile wallet.

Razalan said they have received reports of scammers pretending to be chiefs of police or heads of police units, asking for money, mobile load, and even personal information.

He cited a case where a chief of police received a call from someone claiming to be the head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Fraud Unit.

The impersonator allegedly asked the officer to visit the home of a specific individual and inform him of a pending complaint.

“Syempre, sumunod naman ’yung hepe kasi parang verification,” Razalan said.

After the visit, the scammer called the individual and threatened to pursue the complaint unless a payment was made.

Razalan also recalled that shortly after he was appointed IPPO chief, someone used his name to call provincial board members.

The impersonator claimed his “brother” was looking for land to build a house and asked for contact numbers of contractors.

The scammer later requested mobile load or money from those contacted.

The IPPO reminded the public not to share personal or financial information with people they haven’t met.

They also advised residents not to trust messages from unknown numbers.