Maya cash-out scam? 2 intercepted over ₱19,985 alleged fraud in Isabela

The 51-year-old store owner, identified only as alias Elvie, reportedly received two notifications for Maya transactions totaling ₱19,985 after an unidentified man attempted to cash out money using the digital payment application.

SAN MATEO, Isabela — Two individuals were intercepted at a police checkpoint in San Mateo, Isabela, in connection with an alleged online payment scam that cost a store owner ₱19,985 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The suspects, identified only as aliases Marko, 26, and Hannah, 23, were traveling in a red Toyota Veloz when police intercepted them at around 3 p.m. on October 25 at a checkpoint in Barangay 3, San Mateo.

According to the initial investigation of the Tuguegarao Component City Police Station, the alleged scam occurred at around 1 p.m. at a store in Barangay Buntun, Tuguegarao City.

The 51-year-old store owner, identified only as alias Elvie, reportedly received two notifications for Maya transactions totaling ₱19,985 after an unidentified man attempted to cash out money using the digital payment application.

Believing the transactions were legitimate, Elvie handed the corresponding cash to the man. She later discovered that she could no longer access her Maya account, prompting her to suspect that it had been compromised and report the incident to police.

Authorities issued a flash alarm to nearby police stations to locate the suspects and the vehicle allegedly used in the incident.

Personnel of the San Mateo Municipal Police Station subsequently intercepted the vehicle at the checkpoint. Marko was identified as the driver, while Hannah was the passenger. Both were reportedly residents of Pasay City.

The two were brought to the police station for documentation and further investigation, while authorities conducted verification of the vehicle.

In a separate incident, Bombo Radyo Cauayan reported on December 2, 2025, that police were investigating an alleged online investment scam in Jones, Isabela, involving several reported victims. The total amount allegedly lost had yet to be determined at the time of the report.

Authorities continue to remind the public to verify digital payment transactions before releasing cash and to promptly report suspected fraud.

The allegations against the two individuals remain subject to police investigation.