The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against giving monetary or in-kind support to fraudsters and scammers using falsified solicitation permits allegedly for the benefit of the needy sector.

The warning came after the Department received information that a group, the Development for the Blind Welfare Philippines, Inc, was undertaking public solicitation presenting a Certificate of Fund Raising allegedly issued by the DSWD. The alleged Certificate bore the falsified signature of then DSWD Field Office III Director and now Assistant Secretary Marites M. Maristela.

Assistant Secretary Maristela said that using a falsified Certificate of Fund Raising, using her name, is unlawful and unauthorized. She strongly denied the authenticity of the certificate.

She lamented  that there were kind-hearted individuals and families who were victimized by the illegal activity of the group.

Assistant Secretary Maristela appealed to the public to help the Department stop the group from further victimizing people by reporting to the nearest DSWD office or police station if they are approached by anyone with the fake certificate.

The DSWD advised the public to verify the legitimacy of any solicitation campaign with the Agency before giving out any form of assistance.  This precautionary measure is not meant to dampen the generous spirit of the Filipinos, but to ensure that public solicitation is not taken advantaged by unscrupulous individuals and groups but really benefits those in need. ###