DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office 11 admitted it has difficulty in tracking down suspects behind social media scams using names of some individuals to get money.
Chief Insp. Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson said, they have difficulty in pointing out the identity of their suspects behind social media scams “as it appears to be suspects are using bogus accounts” to attract victims in their operations.
“Most of the accounts are anonymous, and we have difficulty in identifying and locating them if they are using bogus accounts,” said Baria.
Last Tuesday, Councilor Leah Librado-Yap posted in her facebook account a warning to someone who she said “is using her name and office” to victimize Davaoenos.
Librado-Yap said it already happened twice this year that an individual sent a message to her Facebook account asking for the money she won in a raffle draw. She said most of the messages she received wants to claim the money through her office. Another incident happened when someone went to her office in the Sangguniang Panlungsod asking for a payment of seedling she allegedly promised through a text message.
“I would like to tell the public that I don’t have any announcements for cash assistance under my office. I don’t know if it’s a scam or what but I want it to stop,” said Librado.
Librado said, her office is now coordinating with the authorities o track down the suspect as they have some leads of the identity of the suspect.
When asked if the scam is a possible attack to her political career, Librado said no one will be interested in her as she ends her third term in the council this year.
“I don’t believe that this is related to politics because I am not running. I just want this to be investigated so that whoever it is, he or she will be punished,” said Librado.
Meanwhile, the office of the City Mayor has also warned the public on a possible financial scam after reports escalated that a group called Kapa Community Ministry International, Inc., founded by Pastor Joel A. Apolinario, is allegedly promising 30% return in investment every month.
“Of course it’s your decision how you use your money but there is already a warning by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hope that they will take time out to read the advisory,” she added.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued its advisory to the public last October 2018 also giving a warning against the group operating in the areas of region 12.
Baria on their part said they are “working with its intelligence network to get more information” and see if they can track the person behind the scams happening in the city. (davaotoday.com)
