THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be vigilant against scams related to its Repatriation Assistance Program amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In a memo late Thursday, the MWO said repatriation can only be done through official channels. “We have received reports of individuals and groups falsely offering assistance for OFW repatriation in exchange for fees or personal information. Please be advised that legitimate repatriation assistance from the DMW and MWO (Migrant Workers Office) is processed only through official channels,” the memo read. OFWs are urged to visit the official website and Facebook pages of the DMW and the MWO in Dubai. “Avoid transacting with unauthorized individuals, agents, or social media accounts claiming to facilitate repatriation services,” the DMW said. “Refrain from sharing personal information or sending money to unverified sources,” it added. The MWO can be contacted through the following numbers and emails: 056-353-3558, 054-223-0822, 054-153-3057, atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph, and repat.mwodubai@gmail.com. Meanwhile, the office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Dubai can be contacted at 050-558-5536 or through email at dubai@owwa.gov.ph. “We urge everyone to carefully review the official guidelines and to communicate only through our official channels for any assistance or inquiries. Stay alert and help us combat scams by reporting suspicious activities to MWO-Dubai immediately,” the OWWA said. On Thursday, 317 Filipinos — consisting of 153 OFWs, 114 dependents, and 50 other stranded Filipino passengers — returned to the country from Dubai on a government-chartered flight.