After failed cash-ins of ‘customer’, storekeeper loses over P30K in e-wallet

A storekeeper in Baseco in Tondo, Manila lost more than P30,000 in his digital wallet after the repeated failed cash-in attempts of his supposed customer.

According to Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Sammy Cayao, a store keeper, said the first customer wanted to cash-in or deposit P200 to his digital wallet.

“Noong inano ko na yung QR [code] niya, nag-[unsuccessful]. Sabi ko, ‘Bro, ayaw,” Cayao recalled.

(When I scanned his QR code, it was unsuccessful. I said, “Bro, it’s not pushing through.”) 

The victim thought it was only a signal problem that caused the failed transaction. So he scanned the suspect’s QR code two more times but the transaction still failed.

“Nung chineck ko yung cellphone, hindi po talaga nagbawas, sir…Pati ‘yung balance ko andoon pa,” Cayao said. 

(When I checked my cellphone, nothing was deducted. My balance was still there.) 

The first customer left and another customer appeared for a cash-in transaction. Cayao then realized that the three failed cash-in transactions caused the deduction of P32,430 in total from his digital wallet.

“Lugmok na lugmok, sir. Talagang dugo’t pawis kong pinaghirapan ‘yun, tapos ganoon lang kadali sa akin nawala,” said Cayao. 

(I felt so crushed. I worked hard for that money but I lost it like that.)

Cayao then reported the incident to the Baseco Police Station.

Police investigators eventually located the tricycle that the suspect used. The tricycle owner said he was also a victim of the suspect’s modus.

However, the driver of the tricycle was held by authorities. The driver admitted that the suspect is his friend and that the suspect gave him money. However, the driver claimed to be unaware of the modus.

“Pangalawang beses ko pong sama sa kanila, binigyan po ako ng P5,000. Di ko rin po alam na ganun din ang gagawin nila dito sa Baseco po,” the tricycle driver said. 

(When I joined them for the second time, I was given P5,000. I didn’t know that they would do that here in Baseco.) 

The Baseco Police Station said another suspect is still at large and that charges will be filed against the suspects.

“... Magfa-file tayo ng warrant to disclose data para malaman natin kung kaninong account ‘yan,” said Baseco Police Station commander Lt. Col. Rommel Anicete. 

(We will file a warrant to disclose data so we can know who owns that account.) 

Police also received similar complaints about the said modus from other victims in Tondo, Manila. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News