DOJ gets over 100 complaints on fake Facebook accounts

June 8, 2020

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Cybercrime has received more than 100  reports from Facebook users who complained of dummy accounts a few hours after it started investigating the reported proliferation of fictitious accounts on Sunday.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete on Monday said the DOJ’s cybercrime office had received 112 reports as of late Sunday.

The DOJ cybercrime office asked Facebook administrator to take down an initial batch, but with an order to preserve the data for possible use as evidence.

According to Perete, the DOJ will pursue all possible “angles and leads" to build up a case against those involved in creating fake accounts.

He said the DOJ is looking into computer-related identity theft under the Anti-Cybercrime Law as a possible violation.

"No one is in the clear," Perete said in a message to reporters when asked if the DOJ will include in its investigation known terrorist organizations.

Perete said the DOJ is coordinating with Facebook Asia Pacific "to expedite the process."

Perete assured Facebook users that the DOJ will not use the information submitted, adding the department will maintain citizens' privacy.

"The law on data privacy prohibits disclosure of information without consent or beyond the purpose for which data was obtained/provided.  Liability, including criminal penalties, is imposed upon those who violate this prohibition," he stressed.

On Sunday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the Office of Cybercrime to investigate the spread of fictitious accounts on Facebook.

The Philippine National Police, the National Privacy Commission and Facebook are also investigating the fake Facebook accounts. DMS