PSA Warns the Public Against National ID Scams

​The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reiterated its call to the public to be cautious against National ID scams spreading via text message and online through social media and messaging apps.

This includes phishing for personal information in the guise of offering assistance in registering to the National ID System, printing the National ID, updating incorrect details, or downloading the Digital National ID, among others.

Such offers often include website links posing as the official website of the National ID, which individuals are persuaded to click or open to input personal information. In some instances, National ID-related fraudulent acts involve video calls and payments. 

PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, emphasized that such activities are not authorized by the agency.

“Data privacy and security is of the highest priority for the PSA. We will never ask for personal information over social media or messaging apps. We strongly condemn such fraudulent acts and reiterate that these are punishable by law,” said 

PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General.  

According to Section 19 of the Republic Act 11055, any person proven to be collecting or using personal data other than for authentication or identity verification can be penalized with 6 to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of PhP3,000,000 to PhP5,000,000. The same penalty applies to individuals who willfully disclose their personal information.

Earning financial profit from accessing, disclosing, or using such data or information also adds twice the amount gained as penalty.

Assistant Secretary Rosalinda P. Bautista, Deputy National Statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office, reminded the public to be cautious of individuals or groups behind suspicious posts and messages.

“We urge the public to refrain from providing their personal information to any individual or group phishing for it, and to immediately report such incidents to the PSA,” said Asec. Bautista.  
For any information regarding National ID-related fraud, the public is encouraged to report via email at [email protected], send a message on www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial, or call Hotline 1388 (fees apply). The public may also visit the nearest registration center and report to the designated Fraud Incident Officer.  ​