NBI nabs 14 over financial scam in Clark

Fourteen individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in a “social engineering” scheme that targeted retirees and other vulnerable citizens during a raid in Pampanga, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Wednesday.

The NBI said the scheme involved harvesting personal data through fraudulent investment offers.

Victims were allegedly tricked into clicking phishing links and coerced into depositing large sums of money into a fake online platform.

Once the transfers were completed, they were locked out and denied access to their funds.

The agency said its agents conducted a high-stakes raid at the Clark Freeport Zone on February 21, dismantling what it described as a major cyber-financial scamming operation.

The operation stemmed from a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 132.

Authorities seized electronic devices, including high-end computers, smartphones, and numerous SIM cards, the NBI added.

Meanwhile, the agency urged the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited financial offers and investment schemes that appear “too good to be true.”

“Citizens are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when receiving unexpected calls or messages and are urged never to share sensitive personal information or financial credentials through suspicious links,” the NBI said.

“To protect your hard-earned savings, always verify the legitimacy of any investment platform with the appropriate regulatory bodies before committing any funds,” it added.

The 14 suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for alleged violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.—MCG, GMA Integrated News