The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday warned the public against scams enticing them to join a contest to win free laptops and cellphones from the department.
It also warned the public against unscrupulous individuals soliciting money to buy gadgets for online learning using the name of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.
In a statement, the DepEd said they don’t have any online giveaway, raffle draw or contest giving away “free WiFi and gadgets” and warned scammers taking advantage of the pandemic.
“Ang learning continuity packages na donasyon ng LGUs [local government units] at lehitimong partners ay ipinamamahagi sa mga mag-aaral at mga guro sa pamamagitan ng DepEd regional and division offices at mga paaralan [ The learning continuity packages donated by the LGUs and legitimate partners are distributed to the teachers through the DepEd regional offices and division offices and schools],” the statement read.
The DepEd received information that a “DepEd Teachers” FB page posted a raffle contest from September 15 to October 30. By simply liking the page, sharing it and comment “Me” 50 times, contestants can supposedly win free Internet connection, gadgets and laptops.
Meanwhile, the DepEd is also investigating a report wherein a certain “Edmar” was allegedly soliciting money to buy gadgets, the money to be deposited in his bank account, using the name of Briones.
“Ang DepEd Central Office at ang Office of the Secretary ay hindi humihingi ng pinansyal na donasyon mula sa anumang indibidwal o organisasyon [The DepEd Central Office and the Office of the Secretary are not asking of any financial donation from any individual or organization],” the statement stressed.
The DepEd asked the public to report any scams using the name of the agency or Briones to action@deped.gov.ph or in Public Assistance And Action Center thru mobile number 0919-456-0027 (Smart) and 0995-921-8461 (Globe).
For the guidance of the public, official announcements of DepEd are posted on:
Facebook: DepEd Philippines
Twitter: twitter.com/DepEd_PH
Instagram: instagram.com/depedphilippines
Website: www.deped.gov.ph