MANILA, Philippines: The Department of Education (DepEd) warned the public against a group offering fake scholarships online by using the agency's seal and photo of Vice President Sara Duterte who concurrently serves as Education secretary.

In an advisory it issued Monday, the department urged parents not to provide any information about their children to the scammers.

"Parents and guardians are strongly advised not to give out their children's school information and identification to these kinds of hideous posts so as not to compromise their security," the DepEd said.