PSA-7 warns public against fake National ID

CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Central Visayas warns the public against the production, sale, possession, and use of fake National IDs, and reminds everyone that the National ID is an official government-issued identification card under the Philippine Identification System or the National ID System.

Wilma Perante, PSA-7 OIC-Director said that only the PSA is authorized to print and issue the National ID. Any individual or group found guilty of unauthorized printing, preparation, or issuance of a National ID can be penalized with imprisonment of three (3) to six (6) years and a fine ranging from Php 1,000,000 to Php 3,000,000 as provided under Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act.

The same penalties apply to the falsification, mutilation, alteration, or tampering of the National ID, as well as the possession of a fake, falsified, or altered National ID.

Perante also advises the public to remain vigilant against National ID-related scams involving individuals falsely claiming to be PSA personnel through phone calls, messages, or online platforms.

“Reports indicate that these individuals commonly claim that personal information needs to be verified and instruct registered persons to click suspicious links, download applications, disable security settings, or perform fingerprint verification as part of the supposed process,” Perante added.

Some individuals likewise offer expedited processing, fixing services, or assistance in updating National ID information in exchange for payment, Perante emphasizes that these activities are not authorized by the agency.

Any National ID services, including issuance of National ID in paper format (ePhillD), and updating or correction of demographic information in the National ID system is conducted only through authorized National ID registration centers.

The public is strongly advised not to share personal information, one-time passwords (OTPs), national ID Card Numbers, fingerprints, copies of IDs, or other sensitive information with unverified persons or suspicious online accounts.

Perante likewise reminds relying parties, establishments, institutions, and the public to ensure the proper verification and authentication of presented National IDs through available National ID authentication services, including the use of National ID Check accessible through httpsV/everify.gov.ph/check.

The PSA also encourages the reporting of suspected fake National IDs, scams, or suspicious transactions to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation and action.

For inquiries and assistance related to the National ID, the public is advised to transact only through official PSA and National ID System (PhilSys) channels and authorized National ID registration centers. The list of authorized registration centers may be accessed through the official National ID website at https://philsys.gov.ph/registration-center/.