Have you been scammed? Cordillera Anti-Cybercrime Unit warns public of increase in online scam

Baguio City, Philippines – The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the public to switch to online transactions which may be safe or convenient but may also increase the chance of getting scammed such as the victims who reported complaints to Cordillera Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU).

With the increasing cases of online scamming received by their office, RACU Assistant Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLTCOL.) Divina Mencio cautioned the public to be alert in dealing with their transactions online in order to protect themselves against swindlers.

Mencio issued the warning through a press release of Bombo Radyo Baguio this January 19, revealing that among those involved are buyers and sellers, including delivery riders.

Recent viral scammer case

A 26-year old scammer identified by the authority as Rovi Anne Mari Traballo Fernandez, a resident of Middle Quezon Hill, Baguio City, was caught on January 13, 2021 for scamming online sellers and flower vendors in the city.

The suspect was reported by Jeanina Ann Carpio, 24, a vendor of money flower bouquet residing at Queen of Peace, Baguio City.

According to Carpio, the suspect ordered a money flower using Facebook Messenger under the name ‘Gemmalyn Flores,’ sending a receipt of money transfer via Western Union.

The unsuspecting victim delivered the order successfully but later found that the Western Union receipt sent by the suspect is fake.

The entrapment operation of RACU-CAR and Baguio City Police Office, Police Station (PS1) - Naguilian Road resulted in the suspect’s arrest for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”

The scammer, however, was able to get out of jail after posting P36,000 bail.

Online scammer caught anew

Fernandez was once again caught on January 17. This time, with an arrest warrant issued by Presiding Judge Alfred Alex Castillo of the 2nd Judicial Region, 6th MCTC, San Mariano-Benito Soliven, Isabela.

Report of RACU-CAR states that a couple’s pouch containing P34,500 was stolen by Fernandez and family during their visit to the couple’s house in Isabela, back in 2018.

Fernandez was already brought to Isabela and is expected to post bail again.

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