NBI busts group using Yolanda victims to scam donors abroad

Around 100 persons were arrested in Makati City for working in a fake call center that they used to allegedly ask  money from donors overseas for survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda.

According to a "24 Oras" report aired Wednesday, among those arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation's Cybercrime Division was David Gilinsky, the Canadian behind Proact Telemarketing, Inc., a call center that allegedly orchestrated various scams aimed at foreigners.


 

Atty. Vic Lorenzo, executive officer of the NBI Cybercrime Division, said one of these schemes was a fundraising event for Yolanda victims, the proceeds of which allegedly went to the pockets of Gilinsky and his cohorts instead of to the survivors.

 

"Baka may mga perang nakuha para i-donate sa Yolanda, possibility 'yun. Nakikita natin 'yung iba pang mga scam," Lorenzo said.

 

Seen at the office during the arrest were computer units and telephone working stations, which the employees used to reach out to people in Europe, the US, Asia, and the Middle East.

 

The report said it was unclear, even to the employees, what exact service the call center was offering.

 

"Nagpapadala kami ng email at brochure, pero hindi namin alam ang laman ng mga email," said Geraldine dela Paz, one of the call center agents. 

 

"Kinakausap din namin sila gamit 'yung mga script,” she added.

 

Gilinsky declined to comment, but the call center's lawyer insisted that "everything is above-board."

 

Those arrested could face charges in violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA No. 10175) and the Securities Regulation Code (RA No. 8799). —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA News