ONLINE ‘PALUWAGAN’ MULTI-MILLION PESO SCAM SUSPECT NABBED

BY KEVIN GALANG

POLICE arrested on Sunday a 26-year-old online seller accused of scamming five victims of more than P6.1 million through a fraudulent online “paluwagan” or investment/savings scheme in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

A report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, said arrested was alias “Mendy,” of Putol St., Bgy. Mayapyap Sur.

Mobile patrollers of the Cabanatuan City Police Station and members of the Barangay Public Safety and Anti-Crime Task Force (BPAT) of Bgy. Mayapyap Sur arrested the suspect after failing to release the expected payouts to the victims. 

Investigation showed the victims invested substantial amounts with the expectation of receiving returns but the suspect allegedly failed to keep the promise.

Among the victims were an AFP personnel, business owners, an online seller, and a student.

Total investments reached P6,165,000 while the unpaid expected payouts amounted to P1,130,000.

Mendez reminded the public to exercise caution when engaging in online investment schemes or any “paluwagan,” especially those promising unusually high or quick returns.