MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management is warning the public against scammers pretending to be connected to the department and offering government contracts in exchange for money.

DBM issued the warning after the National Bureau of Investigation arrested eight alleged scammers in an entrapment operation in late March.

The eight were allegedly part of a scam of promising prospective contractors billions of pesos for government projects for a P500,000 bribe.

The scam was discovered after the potential victim checked with the DBM and found that the supposed budget official offering the deal was not connected to the department and the project being offered does not exist.

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"Mariin po nating kinokondena ang ganitong klaseng gawain. Kapag may mga ganitong klase ng tao na lumapit sa inyo at sasabihing kaya nilang magpalabas ng pondo mula sa DBM, i-report po ninyo kaagad sa kinauukulan", DBM Secretary Mina Pangandaman said in a release.

(We condemn this kind of activity. If people like these approach you and say that they can get funds released by the DBM, report them to the authorities immediately.)

Authorities will file complaints of Estafa and of Usurupation of Authority against the eight suspects, DBM said.

The public may send reports or complaints to the DBM public assistance office (public_assistance@dbm.gov.ph), its 8657-3300 local 2524 hotline, and through the Usapang Budget Natin Facebook page.

DBM said complaints may also be directed to the NBI through 8523-8231 to 38.