PCG warns of online game scam by money launderers

 

Warning against the online game scam

The Philippine Consulate has warned Filipinos in Hong Kong against a supposed online game offered by money laundering syndicates, in which victims are promised payment of at least $500 if they join using their HKID cards and personal photos.

“Unfortunately, the supposed online game is actually a virtual bank app (e.g., Mox Bank, ZA, ets) and the syndicates would use the Hong Kong ID and photograph taken from the target FDW to open a bank account,” said the PCG.

PRESS THIS FOR DETAILS

Once the bank account is opened in the name of the unsuspecting victim, the syndicate would use it to launder or funnel proceeds from criminal activities.

Not a few Filipino domestic workers who had fallen for this ruse have been charged in court for money laundering, which almost always result in the accused being sentenced to months in prison, depending on the amount involved.

PINDUTIN DITO

Professing innocence, or of having been victimized by the real culprits, have yet to hold sway with judges, who follow sentencing guidelines that decree immediate custodial sentence for the accused.

Do not write the PIN on your ATM card, says the PCG

From documented cases, the Consulate said syndicates have also managed to take control of bank accounts owned by FDWs by using lost ATMs.

“Unfortunately, some FDWs write their personal identification numbers (PIN) on their ATM cards, and this allows the syndicates to use the bank account as a stooge bank account for money laundering.

Basahin ang detalye!

Left unsaid were the documented cases of FDWs willingly lending their ATMs to unknown people, often in exchange for a few hundred dollars, without realizing the likely consequences of the foolhardy act.

The message is thus clear: Do not provide copies of your personal documents like HKID cards, passports and ATMs to strangers, said the Consulate.

Never share your personal documents with strangers and report promptly if you lose them

If any of these documents are lost or misplaced, the owner should report immediately to the Immigration Department, the Consulate or the relevant banks to prevent them being used for money laundering.

Under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, money laundering is punishable with a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for up to 14 years.

PRESS FOR DETAILS