MANILA – Catholic prelates in Bicol have warned the faithful against fraudulent social media accounts asking for donations for victims of typhoons that hit the region in the past weeks.
In a social media post Thursday, Virac Bishop Luisito Occiano said a certain Facebook account under the name “NoLuisito A. Occiano” does not belong to him.
“Not my personal account. Beware. Pls do not accept any friend request or any solicitation from this fraudulent account using my name,” he said.
The Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur province also warned the public against a social media account using the name of Archbishop Rex Alarcon.
“We have been alerted that a fake account impersonating Archbishop Rex Alarcon is currently circulating on social media. Please be advised: • The official accounts of the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of Caceres are clearly identified and verified. • The Archbishop does not solicit funds, personal information, or any private communication through his personal social media,” it said.
The archdiocese also urged the faithful to be vigilant against fraudulent social media accounts by not engaging or responding to messages, reporting the account to the platform, and spreading awareness by sharing the post with friends and family.
At the same time, Occiano noted that the recent natural calamities that hit some areas of Luzon, including the Bicol region, are being used by some people to take advantage of the people’s generosity.
Catanduanes and Camarines Sur were among the provinces battered by consecutive powerful cyclones, including Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) and Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi). (PNA)