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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP arrests 31 'online scammers' preying on retired Aussies, Britons

PNP arrests 31 'online scammers' preying on retired Aussies, Britons

Published Sep 10, 2022 02:49 pm

Operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested 31 people in a raid that stemmed from the complaints of Australians who were victimized by fraudulent transactions over the internet.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said the arrested suspects include the owner of the call center which preys on retired Australian and British nationals.

photo: PNP

"The call center agents were given targets of retired individuals in Australia and Britain whom they will entice to invest their pension plan," said Azurin.

"After closing the deal, the owner of the call center will be in-charge of transferring the money to different bank accounts until it reaches a controlled dummy bank account," he added.

ACG operatives, accompanied by Australian authorities, then raided the area which resulted in the arrest of the owner and 30 employees.

The PNP then warned the public against this type of telemarketing scam wherein investors only see the amount on their account which the scammers had provided but in reality, this amount cannot be withdrawn or transferred to their own accounts.

Cases for violation of Section 4 (b) (2) and Section 5 (Aiding or Abetting in the Commission of Cybercrime) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) will be filed against the suspects.

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