Government warns OFWs against franchising scams

16Apr10

The Philippines’ Foreign Affairs and Trade departments warned overseas Filipino workers on Thursday against rampant franchising scams.

An article on the DFA website said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has so far identified at least three bogus franchisors. These include:

-Fran.con Franchise Marketing and Consultancy, Inc.

-Hamoraon Business Specialist Inc.

-Michelle Ann Pacubas-Chan (single proprietor)

For verification of legitimate franchisors, the DTI advises overseas Filipinos to contact the DTI Direct Hotline 751-3330 or the Franchising Associations and other relevant government agencies.

DTI said it receives numerous complaints from victims of franchising scams, especially from OFWs.

Last March 23, the DTI held a dialogue with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, Franchising Associations, and some complainants.

“One of the measures agreed to address the issue is to conduct an intensive information campaign to alert and warn the public, especially OFWs, against bogus or fake franchisors,” the DFA said. – Jerrie M. Abella, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV