Female online seller arrested for duping victims of P1.1M in 'online paluwagan'

A female online seller in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija was arrested over the weekend for allegedly recruiting investors in an “online paluwagan” scheme and failing to release over P1.1 million in payouts to them, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said the 26-year-old online seller was apprehended on June 7, Sunday, by the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (Nueva Ecija PPO).

The female suspect allegedly recruited participants for her online paluwagan, promising scheduled payouts and financial returns in exchange for the participants’ monetary contributions.

The participants included personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), business owners, another online seller, and a student. Their total investments totaled P6.165 million.

However, they later complained that they failed to receive the promised payouts amounting to P1.13 million.

After her arrest, the female suspect was brought to the Cabanatuan City Police Station, where charges of estafa and other violations are being prepared against her.

“The PNP will not tolerate individuals who use digital platforms to deceive and exploit the public. We are intensifying efforts to hold scammers accountable and ensure that justice is served for victims of fraud,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“Pinaaalalahanan natin ang publiko – huwag magtiwala agad sa online investment na walang sapat na beripikasyon. Ingatan ang pinaghirapang pera,” he added.

(We wish to remind the public – they should not easily trust online investments without sufficient verification. Take care of the money you worked hard for.) — JMA, GMA News