The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) arrested on Wednesday, nine persons involved in voice phishing or vishing scams in Cavite.
The nine suspects were believed to be part of a big syndicate where scammers pretend to be bank employees through phone calls. Bank depositors are duped into giving their bank details such as their one-time PIN (OTP). This would then allow them to access the bank accounts and siphon the victim's deposited money.
The PNP-ACG said that the arrest was the result of the eight-month surveillance and case-build operation that they conducted after receiving dozens of complaints from the victims. Before the operation was conducted, a female who goes by the name “APol” was identified to be the operation’s principal target.
On the day of the arrest, operatives were able to seize various items used in the scams, such as registered SIM cards, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, bank documents, and scripts used when calling the victims.
Moreover, they also got hold of the bank accounts and credit card records along with the victims’ personal information. The PNP also stated that most of the victims were elderly people.
The group has been operating since 2021 and has since siphoned millions from their victims, earning around P5 million per month. A case against the suspects will be filed by the PNP for violating the Access Devices Regulation Act.
Meanwhile, bank depositors are also reminded not to share their one-time PIN (OTP) with anyone.
