Scams have victimized many people and in this desperate times when many Filipinos lost their properties, including cars, to the heavy flood caused by Typhoon Ondoy, these scams may yet claim more victims. While it’s apparent that so many are willing to lend a helping hand to the victims, it’s also a fact that many are willing to capitalize on their sad plight. Ganyan lang talaga ang buhay.
These scams come in many forms, usually through email and text messages. This morning, for instance, I received a text/SMS message, congratulating me for winning a car. The whole text reads:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your # WON TOYOTA AVANZA plus 300 thou. via electronic last July 15, 2009. For details, pls. call now Paul Gomez of Phil.Com.Center in this #
The modus operandi is simple, as discussed in Pinoy-Business.com. You’ll receive a text or email, telling you that you won a prize, which may be cash or a high value item like a brand new car. The message usually includes the name of a contact person. You would then be asked to deposit/send money (even prepaid load). The money is supposed to be used to pay for certain charges which is the prerequisite for claiming the alleged prize. Here are the steps I use to assess this modus operandi:
- If I didn’t join the raffle or promo indicated in the message, I totally disregard it. I can’t recall winning in raffles or promos that I joined. If I suddenly win, and in a promo I didn’t join, there’s something fishy going on.
- If there’s some plausibility in the promo, but a certain amount is required to be paid, alarm bells should start ringing. Based on the published stories of victims, the con artists usually don’t require payment at first. They do this when you’re already hooked.
- If the promo is plausible, do a background check. Search the internet for initial information. Ask where to claim the prize. If they mention a mall or some public place, forget it. If they mention a building, check your local yellow pages or the legitimate building administrator. If that company seems not to exist, the prize is most probably non-existent, too.
- Legitimate promos are registered with the DTI.
The get-rich-quick trick inherent in scams is admittedly attractive. It’s not even get-more-money for the victims, but get-some-money to survive. I personally know around ten people who lost their hard-earned cars, as well as all personal properties in their homes, during the Ondoy flood. If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who lost a car, would this scam sound more appealing this time around? And while we’re at it, what other scams are most likely to be perpetrated on the flood victims?
Comment by Ann
thanks for the info, i just recieved same text message today and automatically search the web and found this!