THE Batangas State University has warned the public against individuals out to illegally solicit money on behalf of the university.

BatStateU said that it has received reports that some individuals and organizations have been using its president’s name, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, to solicit money.

The university said that the impersonators are allegedly soliciting financial assistance and scholarships for students illegally.

“The public is hereby alerted that these calls or any other means of communication are in no way associated with Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo or any personnel of Batangas State University – The National Engineering University.,” the university said.

“The University strongly condemns such actions and assures all concerned that this was not a legitimate communication from us. We are currently conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and are working tirelessly to address the issue at hand.,” it added.

The university also asked the public to coordinate with the university and report to them if they encountered such cases.

Other schools like the Tarlac State University, Occidental Mindoro State College, Marinduque State College, Northwest Samar State University, and the University of Antique, among others, also warned the public against such cases, noting the rise of online scams in the country.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group recorded 11,071 cases of online scams in the country in 2023.