FACT CHECK: Fake unconditional cash transfer registration links lead to gambling, blog sites

Claim: A news website affiliated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) posted links for the payout schedule and list of qualified beneficiaries for the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post bearing the claim was posted on January 28 and has since garnered over 1,200 reactions, 300 comments, and 130 shares. There are also videos on the same page with similar claims, including one with over 9,500 views, 95 reactions, and 10 shares.

The post claims to feature links to the nationwide payout schedule for the UCT program and the list of beneficiaries who will receive P60,570 in cash aid.

The Facebook page that posted the claim, named “DSWD News Update All Region,” has over 66,000 followers and has been consistently posting content that claims to provide official updates on government subsidies.

The facts: The DSWD has long confirmed that the UCT program was already discontinued by the government since 2020 due to a lack of appropriated funds, as the agency told Rappler in 2024.

Originally, the UCT program was implemented to help impoverished households gravely affected by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The program ran from 2018 to 2020.

Qualified beneficiaries for the UCT program received cash grants of P200 per month for the first year of implementation and P300 per month for succeeding years until its discontinuation. Contrary to the claim, UCT payouts did not amount to over P60,000 in cash aid for a single beneficiary, even if the total payouts for all the years since the program’s establishment were combined. (READ: Poor families to get P200 tax reform subsidy starting January)

Fake links from dubious pages: The supposed registration links and list of qualified beneficiaries are fake. These links lead to gambling sites or unrelated blog sites, which are not affiliated with the DSWD or any government agency.

The DSWD has long warned the public about false information posted by dubious pages. It has also issued new warnings about the rising popularity of artificial intelligence-generated videos and images that are often used in posts that mimic the agency. 

“Hindi natin alam kung anong purpose ng video, pero obviously, it damages the reputation of the department. Kaya sa ating mga netizen, huwag agad maniwala sa mga ganitong posts, at maging mapanuri bago i-share ang mga content,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Tuesday, January 27.

(We do not know the purpose of the video, but obviously, it damages the reputation of the department. That is why, to our netizens, do not immediately believe posts like these, and be discerning before sharing any content.)

This digitally-manipulated content can make it appear as though public officials are asking those seeking to apply for government aid to register through links that ask for personal and confidential information, which can lead to possible phishing scams. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)

Debunked: Rappler has previously debunked several false claims regarding government cash assistance and online registration links, particularly those related to the UCT program:

• FACT CHECK: Post on September payout for Unconditional Cash Transfer program is fake
• FACT CHECK: Online list of unconditional cash transfer program recipients is fake
• FACT CHECK: AI-generated videos about free housing for 4Ps beneficiaries contain fake links
• FACT CHECK: DSWD’s Unconditional Cash Transfer program ended in 2020
• FACT CHECK: Link to 4Ps September payout schedule is fake
• FACT CHECK: Registration links for education cash aid lead to shopping sites

– Reinnard Balonzo/Rappler.com 

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