BACOLOD City — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has issued a public warning following reports of a scammer posing as a fire official to deceive businesses and individuals, particularly in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
In an advisory, the Himamaylan City Fire Station alerted the public about an individual falsely claiming to be Fire Inspector Jereck C. Barbas, the city’s acting fire marshal.
Authorities said the suspect has been using mobile number 0906-133-0046 to place fraudulent orders and misrepresent himself as a government official.
One reported incident involved a food order made at a local establishment, raising concerns about a possible pattern of deception targeting businesses.
The BFP emphasized that the individual is not affiliated with the agency and that any transactions made under this identity are unauthorized and fraudulent.
“We strongly urge all business establishments and the general public to remain vigilant and take extra precautions when dealing with unfamiliar or suspicious orders, especially those claiming to be from government personnel,” the Himamaylan City Fire Station said.
The BFP also called on business owners and residents to exercise caution, particularly when dealing with requests that claim to come from government personnel.
The agency stressed the importance of verifying identities through official channels, especially in cases involving large orders, urgent requests, or special accommodations.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, the public is advised to verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent government agencies; confirm transactions through official contact numbers or offices; be cautious of urgent or unusual requests; avoid sending money, goods, or services without proper validation; and immediately report suspicious activities
The Himamaylan City Fire Station encouraged anyone who receives similar calls or messages to report them promptly to the nearest police station or BFP office.
Officials underscored that community awareness and cooperation are key to preventing fraud and protecting local businesses from exploitation.
“Let us remain vigilant and work together to stop these deceptive practices,” the advisory added./PN
