Another text scam in Olongapo

Q. Last week, DTI-Cebu issued a warning against Masumi Corp. Here’s another complaint from Marilyn Chua of Sto. Nino St., Cebu City.

I would like to report an ongoing text scam. First, I got a message saying I won P300,000 and a Starex van. The message went on to say that I had to call the number used for more details. The message came from an Eddie Go of Masumi Corp.

Although I did not recall joining any contest, I was, of course, thrilled that I had won! I called the number that send me the text message. I was asked to call another cell phone number and look for Ben Domingo. I was able to talk to Mr. Domingo, who told me that, as proof of ownership of the cellular phone I was using, I had to submit my PUK number, two valid IDs, and cedula (residence certificate) to their office at 188 Sergio Osmena St., Cebu City.

I was also instructed to deposit P6,100 as a processing fee at a specified bank. The account number was given to me and I had to make my deposit before 12 noon of that day.

Eager to claim my prize, I immediately complied with the instructions. After two weeks, I still haven’t heard from Masumi Corp. I tried calling the numbers I had called before but to no avail. The numbers were always unattended. I even called the bank and I was told that the account had been closed. What should I do?

A. The business name, Masumi Corp., is not registered with DTI. Based on DTI-Cebu’s verification, there is also no such address.

Another text scam that has been uncovered is the one perpetrated by a company supposedly called Drakkar Cosmetics Paris International, Inc. It is supposedly based in Olongapo City. According to DTI-Zambales, that company does not exist. Other fictitious names given are Giventi Cosmetic International and Givenchy International.

According to cell phone carriers, these cell phones cannot be traced to their owners because prepaid SIMs are being used.

However, these text scams can be reported to the National Telecommunications Co. through their website, www.ntc.gov.ph under the feedback icon. Once the NTC has confirmed the text scam, it will block the particular number so that perpetrators will be prevented from continuing their scam.

Don’t immediately believe text messages saying you have won something, especially if you did not join any contest. Under the law, companies that implement sales promotions should inform their winners through registered mail. Collection of "processing fess" is not also a common practice. If in doubt, contact DTI or BFAD–BFAD issues the sales promotion permits for contests covering food, drug or cosmetic products–and check if a particular contest has been issued the proper permit.

Q. Luningning Tablante of Las Piñas almost became a victim of overpricing of services.

I asked my driver, Lucio, to have my Nissan car’s cylinder checked in an automotive shop. He bought my car to a small shop along Sucat Road. My driver was told the cost for cylinder lapping was P5,500 but he was given a P1,000 discount. Lucio then gave me the receipt.

When I asked my friends about the cost of the repair, I was surprised to find out the service similar to what Lucio had availed of for my car was only between P600 and P800.

I went to the store where my driver bought the cylinder and confronted the owner. I asked for their price list of services and was surprised to find that I was charged for a cylinder assembly service, which was not what was done on my car. I immediately pointed out the discrepancy to the owner. I even warned him that I would report his overcharging to the authorities. He gave me a P4,000 refund.

I’m glad I got my money back. However, upon checking with another repair shop, I found out that my cylinder, which was repaired by that first shop, should not have been repaired but replaced. Not wanting to confronting the first owner anew, I just had my car serviced by a more reputable service center.

A. DTI-NCR and other regional offices have a list of accredited auto repair shops.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. Call us at our consumer hotlines at 896-5740 or 890-4938 or e-mail us at www.e-reklamo.net.ph)