2 seniors nabbed for house and lot scam in Caloocan

Two senior citizens in Caloocan City were arrested for allegedly duping several victims in a house and lot scam, according to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on 24 Oras Wednesday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) nabbed the two women suspects  in an entrapment operation in Caloocan City due to several complaints filed against them.

“Na-eenganyo ang mga victims natin gawa ng mura na ang bahay para P150,000 na 20 square meters na may bahay na, at ang usapan dito, payable within three years,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Poblete, chief of Northern District Field Unit.

(The victims were enticed because for just P150,000 they will own a 20-square meter house which is payable within three years.)

The house for sale on questions was posted on Facebook Marketplace. There is even a video showing the interior of the house that is shown to buyers as proof that the house is fully furnished.

However, after making their payment, the buyers will only then discover that the title of the property has been pawned and that the suspects also live in the residence.

“We will be filing estafa case under Article 315 ng (of the) Revised Penal Code against the two suspects, for the presence of fraudulent representation purely for the purpose to defraud victims,” Poblete said.

Victim Nilda Lasola said she did not expect that the previous owner would continue to live in the house even after she paid with her hard earned money.

“Ang pera na yun ay pinaghirapan ko. Puyat at pagod ang dinanas namin,” Lasola said.

(We worked hard to pay for the house. It took us a lot of effort and sleepless nights.)

Another complainant said she found out the seller of the house was a scammer when the barangay said the suspect has a lengthy criminal record.

Wilma Santos, another victim,  said she thought she was helping the senior when she bought the house.

“Nagbigay ako ng P100,000 tapos, pagdating nung buwan na lilipat na kami, hindi naman siya umaalis sa bahay niya,” victim Anabelle Liwanag said.

(I paid P100,000 for the house but on the month we were going to move, she did not leave.) 

Victim Lolet Cambronero said she wants justice after losing P200,000.

Another victim, Lisa Penalosa, said she was relieved that the suspects were arrested, preventing them from scamming other people.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects said she used the money she stole to pay her debts.

She admitted what she was doing was illegal and said she would not scam people again.

“Sinamahan ko lang yung buyer tapos nagka intindinahan naman sila,” the other suspect said.

(I just accompanied the buyer but they were the ones who made the deal.)

Poblete reminded the public who are interested in buying houses and lots to check the property documents as well as the people they are transacting with.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News