The National Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) has dismantled a major cyber-financial scamming operation following a high-stakes raid in Clark, resulting to the arrest of 14 individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated “social engineering” scheme primarily targeting retirees and vulnerable citizens.
NBI-NCR agents, in coordination with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Security Services Group, executed a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 132 of Makati City in a facility within the Clark Freeport Zone.
Agents conducted an onsite digital forensic examination, yielding a significant haul of electronic evidence including high-end computer devices and smartphones, numerous SIM cards used for fraudulent communications and detailed ledgers of potential victims’ personal information.
The group’s “social engineering” scheme involved harvesting personal data through deception to target victims with fraudulent investment offers. After being tricked into clicking phishing links, victims were coerced into depositing large sums of money into a fake platform, only to be locked out and denied access to their funds once the transfers were complete.
The 14 subjects were presented for inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) and Republic Act 12010 (Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act).
The NBI issues a stern warning to the public to remain hyper-vigilant against the rising tide of unsolicited investment schemes and “too good to be true” financial opportunities. 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. To protect your hard-earned savings, always verify the legitimacy of any investment platform with the appropriate regulatory bodies before committing any funds.
The post NBI nabs 14 for financial scam in Clark first appeared on Pampanga News Now.