VIRAC, Catanduanes– The Social Security System (SSS) warned its members and the public of a possible spread of fake checks after the pension fund was informed that a grocery store received as payment a fake SSS check.
SSS Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Josie G. Magana said that the fake SSS check amounting to P20,000 was used to pay groceries at Catanduanes Supermart of Virac Catanduanes by a certain Gina S. Henzon.
“According to Precious Sorra, Secretary of the supermart, they accepted the check after verifying the voter’s ID of the buyer which looked valid. However, upon deposit of the check with their bank, they were informed that it was spurious,” said Magana.
Sorra immediately went to SSS Virac to report the fake check. Afterwhich, SSS Virac Branch Head Divina T. Avila instructed Edgar S. Rubio, Officer-In-Charge for Admin Section to check the name and SS number of Henzon. However, the SS number was invalid and such name is not registered in the SSS database.
“Aside from non-existing name and invalid SS number, the signatories in the check who were employees of SSS Urdaneta were also forged. Authorized signatories of SSS checks are not rank-and-file employees,” said Magana.
Avila later on instructed Jerald F. Competente, Verifier of SSS Virac to make a follow-up investigation at Barangay Palta Small in Virac which was the address indicated in the check. Based on the investigation, people in the area do not know Henzon and is not a resident of the said barangay.
“We advise the public, especially establishments, that before they accept checks as payment, kindly call SSS first to verify its authenticity. Also, valid SSS checks are attached to a voucher indicating the information about the payee as well as payment details from SSS,” said Magana.
To report fake checks, members and the public may call the SSS hotline at numbers 920-6446 to 55 or email [email protected].