LTO-6 Warns Public of Facebook Fixer Scam

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office Region 6 has issued a public advisory warning motorists about an online scam involving a fixer scheme that misuses an LTO-6 employee’s photo to deceive victims.

The warning followed a report by Ryan John A. Apalacio, a lecturer at the LTO-6 Traffic and Safety Unit, who said his photo—taken during an official outreach while wearing an LTO-logoed shirt—was being used without his consent by a Facebook user named “Kho Las.”

Apalacio said the scammer offered a so-called fixer package priced between PHP20,000 and PHP30,000, falsely promising to fast-track services such as the Theoretical Driving Course, Student Permit and Practical Driving Course through unofficial means.

The scam came to light July 1 after a colleague informed Apalacio that a friend had fallen victim to the scheme.

Adding to the concern, Apalacio said two individuals visited the LTO Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City on June 30 looking for the person in the photo.

Although they didn’t know the man’s identity, they presented the same image used in the scam.

Apalacio was on official travel at the time and unable to meet them.

In response, LTO-6 said it is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to investigate the scam and identify the culprit.

The agency urged the public to transact only through official and authorized LTO channels.

“We take these matters seriously. Fixing and identity misrepresentation not only violate the law but also erode public trust in our agency,” said LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II.

Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu also appealed to the public to stay alert.

“We urge everyone to be cautious and immediately report similar incidents to LTO-6 or the nearest police station,” Conlu said.

He added that they are working with authorities to hold those behind the scam accountable.

LTO-6 encouraged anyone who may have been approached or victimized by the scam to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.