The Philippine mission in Riyadh reminded Filipino nationals Thursday to avoid dealing with compatriots claiming to be embassy staff.

“A certain Sunny Robredo (who also goes by the name Nasanciano Robredo) misrepresented himself as a staff member at the Philippine mission and succeeded in swindling a fellow Filipino of more than SR900,” the embassy said in a statement. The embassy reiterated its reminder for the public to approach embassy personnel directly on matters related to consular and other services.

It also said that staff members issue an official receipt even in outreach programs, which cover transactions and fees for services rendered.

The embassy earlier announced that it had received reports of Filipinos being targeted by compatriots, informally known as "fixers," pretending to be embassy officials in Riyadh and at the consulate in Jeddah. “These individuals ask for money for consulate services, which are otherwise provided free of charge,” the embassy said.

Travel documents being issued by the embassy and the consulate for repatriation during the grace period, which ends on Nov. 3, are free of charge.



“There are no charges. We have received reports that fixers are charging anywhere from SR1,000 to SR3,500 for their services,” the embassy added.