20/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE
PNP ACG
Authority: PBGEN SIDNEY S HERNIA
Director, ACG
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
ACG ARRESTS 19-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT FOR CYBERCRIME FRAUD
Quezon City, July 14, 2023 - The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group's Quezon City District Anti-Cybercrime Team (QCDACT) successfully apprehended a 19-year-old female suspect for violation of Article 315 (Swindling/Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175, also known as the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012." The arrest took place in front of Baclaran LRT Station, Paranaque City.
The operation was initiated following the report of a victim who had fallen prey to a cyber scam. The victim, a reseller of beauty products, made a post on Facebook Marketplace in search of beauty products to sell online. The suspect, pretending to be the owner of a legitimate shop selling these items, contacted the victim. Over a series of conversations, they agreed on a transaction amounting to PHP 6,800, which the victim paid through Gcash, and a Lalamove rider was scheduled to pick up the items from the store.
While the rider was en route to the store, the victim and the suspect's conversation continued. The victim subsequently made additional purchases, resulting in a second transaction amounting to PHP 54,000 paid through online bank transfers. Upon receiving the payment for the second transaction, the suspect enticed the victim with a promotional offer. The victim was told that if her total order reached PHP 80,000, she would receive a free iPhone 14 as a reward. Motivated by the promo, the victim made further purchases as her third transaction, bringing the total amount to PHP 105,000.
Upon arrival at the store, the rider experienced an extended wait time and called the victim to express his frustration. The victim was handed over to the store owner, who asked if she was the one who made previous bookings but never paid for the items prepared by the store. The victim immediately suspected that she had fallen victim to a scam. Continuing her communication with the suspect, the victim inquired if she would receive two iPhone 14 if her orders totaled PHP 160,000. The suspect confirmed the offer. The victim then informed the suspect that she needed to change the delivery method to a four-wheeled delivery car, claiming she needed more space for her additional purchases.
Taking swift action, the victim reported the incident to QCDACT, and an entrapment operation was set in motion leading to the successful arrest of the suspect.
In light of this case, PBGEN HERNIA, Director of ACG, issued a warning to the public to exercise caution and critical thinking when engaging in online transactions. He emphasized that not everything seen or read online is true, especially when it involves financial transactions. It is crucial to remain vigilant, verify the credibility of individuals and businesses, and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
The PNP ACG continues to prioritize cybercrime prevention and enforcement efforts to ensure the safety and security of online transactions. Individuals who have fallen victim to cyber scams are encouraged to report such incidents to their local law enforcement agencies.
For media inquiries, please contact:
PCPT MICHELLE SABINO
Spokesperson, PNP ACG
0966-1835678
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