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PNP Warns Against Text Scammer Posing as Acting Chief

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a warning against a text scammer who has been impersonating acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. through text messages. According to PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano, the scammer has been sending messages to the PNP's directors, including the director for intelligence, who received the message last Saturday while attending a meeting with Nartatez at the PNP Command Center. The scammer's messages claim to be from the chief PNP's cellphone number and display his profile or avatar. The PNP has reminded the public that the acting chief PNP does not permit anyone to use his name or position for personal interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The text scammer has been impersonating acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. through text messages, claiming to be from the chief PNP's cellphone number and displaying his profile or avatar.
  • The PNP's director for intelligence received the message last Saturday while attending a meeting with Nartatez at the PNP Command Center.
  • The scammer's messages mention an "ongoing late night meeting with the President" on Sunday night, which the PNP has confirmed is not true.
  • The PNP has warned the public that this kind of representation is a serious violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and may lead to criminal charges.
  • The PNP is reminding the public that they will not tolerate the use of the acting chief PNP's name or position for personal interests.
  • The PNP has cited Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, as the basis for their warning.

Statistics:

  • Last Saturday, the PNP's director for intelligence received a text message from the scammer purporting to be from the chief PNP's cellphone number.
  • The scammer's messages claimed to be from the chief PNP's cellphone number and displayed his profile or avatar.
  • The PNP's public information chief, Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano, confirmed that the scammer's messages were likely sent to multiple recipients.

Sources:

  • PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano, press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.
  • Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

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