MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a priest to defraud people through online solicitations, the agency said.

The NBI’s Naga District Office (NADO) responded to a complaint that the suspect used a priest’s name and photograph to convince victims to send money via a mobile e-wallet account.

During an entrapment operation, investigators recovered marked money and a mobile device used by the suspect.

“We will not allow criminals to exploit the trust and goodwill of the public through fake online identities,” NBI Acting Director Angelito Magno said.

The suspect is facing charges for identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The NBI reminded the public to exercise caution, verify online requests for financial assistance, and report suspicious social media accounts or activities to law enforcement agencies.