Manila, Feb. 10 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday urged the public to be vigilant to avoid falling prey to text scams targeting relatives of hospitalized patients.

The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has recorded at least 19 cases, according to a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City by PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.

Fajardo said the modus operandi starts with the scammers introducing themselves as hospital staff through text messages.

The scammers will update the relatives about the hospital bill and ask the victims to settle a certain amount through e-wallet or bank transfer.

Fajardo said the scammers would offer a big discount but once the bill is settled, the relatives would no longer be able to contac...