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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ACG raids lending firm allegedly engaged in threatening clients who fail to settle debts

ACG raids lending firm allegedly engaged in threatening clients who fail to settle debts

Published May 17, 2023 02:29 am
Operatives of the police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have arrested the supervisors and employees of a lending company in Pasig City which is allegedly engaged in threatening and harassing their clients who are unable to settle their debts on time. ACG spokesperson Police Capt. Michelle Sabino said the operation against the Realm Shifters Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services was based on the complaints about the continuous harassment and threats of some people over debt payments.  “Employees of the aforesaid BPO are allegedly engaged in harassment, coercion, threat and unauthorized use of personal information of the victims,” said Sabino. Armed with a search warrant, ACG operatives led by Police Lt. Col. Jay Guillermo swooped down on the BPO office Unit 2, 5th Floor, Betheland Bldg. #10 Mercedes Avenue, San Miguel, Pasig City on Tuesday, May 16, which resulted in the arrest of the employees and their supervisors.  ACG operatives have immediately conducted digital forensic examinations on the confiscated computers and other gadgets inside the raided office.  The ACG has been conducting operations against operators of BPOs engaged in harassing people who would fail to settle their debts after being lured into availing loans online.  Aside from threatening the clients, some lending firms are also allegedly engaged in shame campaign against some of the victims by sending message to the relatives and friends on social media. It said such modus is in violation of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
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