THE regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao recorded no complaints related to the “12 SCAMmonsters of Christmas” or people who are involved in fraudulent practices and take advantage of people's generosity, especially this Christmas season.
Edwin Banquerigo, DTI-Davao assistant regional director, told reporters Tuesday, December 20, that although for the month of December no complaints were recorded, the public must still practice caution from these scams.
DTI Davao regional director Maria Belenda Ambi, for her part, said DTI released the list for the consumers to be more vigilant and aware about various scams common on Christmas season. However, Banquerigo cited that before Christmas season came, a lot of Dabawenyos fell prey to scams including pyramid schemes like Jacama.
“We enjoin the public to help us disseminate this information in order for all of us to be guided and guarded,” Ambi said.
The “12 SCAMmonsters of Christmas” as labeled by DTI are: fake charities, unregistered holiday raffle promos, unregistered Christmas sales, online gadget giveaways, malicious online shopping websites, seasonal travel scams, holiday decors gone wrong, holiday SMiShing, networking/pyramid scams, cyber thief, bogus gift certificates, and ATM Skimming.
DTI said the best way to avoid scams, not only this Christmas but for all season, is to be aware what they are and how to spot them.
