The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today reminded members of the public to stay vigilant against a bogus phone call from a person claiming to be one of its officers.

The department has received enquiries from restaurants who received phone orders for food or drinks from a person claiming to be an SWD officer.

The fraudster would also ask the restaurants to help order goods from other vendors and settle the payment before seeking reimbursement of the amount from them.

The SWD stressed that its officers would never request the public to settle any payments.

The case has been reported to Police.

People are advised to stay alert to suspicious phone calls. Anyone targeted by a suspected phone scam should report it to Police immediately.