RACU-7 warns against fake modeling offers

CEBU, Philippines — The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit in Central Visayas (RACU-7) has issued a warning to the public, particularly young women, against fake modeling offers allegedly being used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive personal information and private photos.

The caution came after a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in the City of Naga, Cebu was served against a man accused of violating laws related to online extortion or blackmail.

The suspect, identified only as Kent, approximately 22 years old, was accused by a 19-year-old model and beauty queen from the City of Naga. The victim alleged that the suspect continued to extort money from her even after she had already given him more than P30,000.

Following the complaint, authorities launched an investigation and discovered that the alleged scammer was based in Manila, where he was eventually arrested.

The suspect was turned over to RACU-7 for temporary detention on July 22. As of July 27, he had not yet posted the P200,000 bail set by the court due to incomplete documentary requirements.

According to the victim’s uncle, the suspect remains detained at the City of Naga Police Station and is expected to face additional cases that will be filed by his alleged victims.

“There are many more victims of this young man who have messaged me saying they are also willing to file cases against him. I hope that with the number of victims coming forward, he will no longer be able to get out of jail so he can no longer victimize others,” the victim’s uncle said.

RACU-7 chief, Police Colonel Christopher Luyun, said their investigation showed that the suspect allegedly posed as someone offering modeling opportunities to gain the trust of his targets.

Luyun said the suspect would then ask for personal information, including the victims’ iCloud account details. After gaining access to private photos and videos stored in the accounts, he allegedly threatened to distribute the files through Telegram unless the victims paid him money.

RACU-7 is continuing its investigation to determine whether there are other victims linked to the alleged online blackmail scheme.

The law enforcement unit also urged the public to be cautious of online accounts offering modeling jobs and to avoid sharing personal information, especially account credentials, as well as sensitive photos and videos with untrusted individuals.

It likewise encouraged possible victims of similar schemes to immediately report such incidents to its office to facilitate proper investigation and appropriate legal action. — /MRM (FREEMAN)