information-drive-vs-scams.jpgThe National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has joined forces with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Western Union to launch an awareness campaign to protect consumers against scams.

In a statement issued yesterday, NBI director Nestor Mantaring said the Security Awareness and Fraud Education (S.A.F.E.) program was launched last Friday in line with the National Consumer Welfare Month.

The collaboration marks the first time that a private firm and law enforcement agencies in the Philippines are working together to raise awareness among consumers about fraud prevention.

“Any Filipino can fall victim to fraud – regardless of their education level, economic status or social background. Perpetrators of fraud are constantly coming up with ways to entice people into new scams. If we can educate them about the types of fraud they will be better prepared to protect themselves. That’s a goal we hope to achieve with the S.A.F.E. program,” Trade Secretary Peter Favila said.

Mantaring said once money and other valuable items are in the hands of fraudsters, they are difficult to recover.

“We want to educate and inform the public about how they can protect themselves from various scams before the fraudsters contact them either through e-mail or SMS,” Mantaring said. “When in doubt, we advise consumers to always consult the DTI or the NBI.”

He also warned consumers not to forward funds into a stranger’s account.

In line with the launch of the S.A.F.E. program, Western Union has re-designed its money transfer forms and added fraud prevention information as well as the NBI hotline to encourage people to ask the right questions before they send their money.