Illegal operations of social media scammers went on high gear as they exploited the massive devastation during the recent typhoons to conduct illegal fund raising campaigns.

Two Catholic bishops representing dioceses in Bicol region exposed the racket as they warned social media buffs to be on the lookout for the scammers behind bogus solicitations for donations for supposed typhoon victims.

The Archdiocese of Caceres shared a screenshot of the fake Facebook account using Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon’s name and photo.

In Catanduanes, Bishop Louie Occiano of Virac issued a similar warning against online scammers after discovering a fake FB account using his name and photo. He warned the public against interacting with the said account.

Alarcon urged the public to observe extra vigilance against fraudulent accounts that solicit money and other donations supposedly to be given to victims of the recent typhoons.

“The archbishop does not solicit funds, personal information or private communications through his personal social media.” the Caceres archdiocese warned.

Church officials also noted that Alarcon’s official accounts and those of the archdiocese are”clearly identified and verified.

Occiano urged social media users not to accept any friend request or contribute money to fraudulent accounts us9ing his name.

“We suspect somebody who would like to take advantage of he situation,” said Occiano.