The FSM Government’s public information office is warning its citizens against fraudulent Facebook postings encouraging people to avail of a federal funding opportunity.
On Nov. 6, 2019, an anonymous individual posted on an unauthorized page pretending to be the president of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo.
In the message, the individual mentioned about a United Nations grant that does not exist. Here is the complete unedited text posted on the page:
“Hello Micronesia The Federal government have now extend beneficiaries of the yearly grant awarded by the united nation. The United nation democratic funds and human service are helping the youth,old,retired and also the disabled in the society. I just benefited from the program also….so I thought the people needed the help more that’s why I’m informing the public about the Grant. Interested citizens of Micronesia should message on here.”
The FSM public information office warned:
“There is no such thing as a UN Democratic Fund. There is no such thing as free money. If you see any individual or page asking you to talk to them about how you can get free money through this fund, IGNORE IT and REPORT IT to Facebook. It is a fraud and a scam.”
They added: “The President will NEVER ask for any citizens’ personal information through Facebook. The President himself will NEVER ask ANY CITIZEN for ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION. The President will NEVER ask you for your banking details, your credit card information, or any other financial information.”
The FSM public information officer said the government only asks for information for official government services, such as for passport applications. The FSM government will never ask for personal information, especially through Facebook or other social media.
The government is also encouraging its citizens to contact the Office of the President’s Division of Public Information (i.e. the FSM Public Information Office) at +691-320-2548. Or email the Special Assistant to the President for Public Information at richard.clark@gov.fm or contact the FSM Public Information Office through the official Office of the President Facebook Page here: www.facebook.com/piofsm.
