Public warned vs ‘task scams' via messaging apps
Authorities cautioned the public from taking part in 'task scams' sent via messaging apps where victims are given assignments in exchange for cash before being convinced to "invest" their money in return for quick profits.
In her report on Thursday's 24 Oras, Darlene Cay said victim 'Bea' lost P9,800 in an 'investment', most of which is money she just borrowed.
Bea said she was encouraged to send money via a digital link after she initially saw it quickly gain profits.
However, after she sent a larger sum, the money was never returned and the person she was transacting blocked her.
Pearl, another victim, said she lost P38,000 through the same scheme.
She said the scammers sound very professional and convincing. Pearl said she participated because she was looking for a way to earn extra money. Despite her pleas, the scammer ignored her messages and later blocked her.
'Work from anywhere'
Via unsolicited messages through messaging apps, people introducing themselves as members of a digital marketing agency offer "work from anywhere" opportunities.
Victims are enticed by earning as much as P9,000 daily just by clicking 'likes' of products in different shopping apps.
According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), task scams lure victims with the promise of earning easy money.
'Pasasakayin ka e. Kunwari bibigyan ka ng mga gagawin mo para kumita ka ang mabigat kasi dito, grupo grupo rin yan,' said Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC Executive Director.
It is possible syndicates use easy catchers or devices that have the capability to access telephone numbers, messages and data from the smartphones of potential victims.
Cruz said the scammers would get these cellphone numbers and would initiate a text blast. If a person's phone receives an ad, he or she could then be convinced by scammers to join by completing their assigned tasks.
The phone numbers could also have been sourced from phones whose users clicked on phishing websites according to the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center.
CICC Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso said possible victims could have provided their names, numbers and email addresses believing they were taking part in a promotional event or a discount but these details could be sold to scammers.
PAOCC said it is continuing to investigate the said scam which it believes is being operated by Filipinos.
Be suspicious
Authorities advised jobseekers that no legitimate employer would ask money in exchange for employment and that they would not contact you via messaging apps if you did not apply in the first place.
'Employers do not get in touch with individuals they pass through channels or platforms. Nobody calls from a company to offer a job to somebody. People should be suspicious by this system alone,' said Serge Ortiz-Luis, President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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