The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has cautioned the public against phishing scams in which fraudsters pose as PSA personnel to obtain personal information linked to the National ID system.
According to the agency, scammers have been using text messages, phone calls, emails, and even virtual meetings to trick individuals into sharing sensitive data.
Some have impersonated government websites through fake links, while others reportedly conducted house-to-house visits offering cash in exchange for photographs of National IDs.
PSA chief Dennis S. Mapa said the agency is committed to safeguarding personal data. “The PSA condemns any fraudulent activities that attempt to undermine the integrity of our National ID system,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to hold perpetrators accountable.
Under Republic Act 11055, unauthorized collection or use of data from the National ID system carries penalties of six to ten years in prison and fines ranging from ₱3 million to ₱5 million. Any profits from these activities are also subject to double the amount in fines.
PSA deputy chief Rosalinda P. Bautista of the PhilSys Registry Office urged the public to remain vigilant. “The protection of our data is a shared responsibility of the PSA and every registered person,” she said.
She also encouraged reporting of such scams and the exclusive use of official PSA channels for National ID transactions.
