Woman says con artist 'hypnotized' her

MANILA, Philippines - A woman reportedly lost P35,000 in cash and valuables to a confidence man who reportedly “hypnotized” her in her own home in Valenzuela City yesterday.

Connie Francisco, 40, of Marcelo Compound in Barangay Malinta, told police the man introduced himself as a trader engaged in the crab and shrimp business and was looking for buyers. It was not clear how she met him.

She said he enticed her into buying his merchandise sight unseen and showed her wads of money in a bag. Francisco said they talked about the business and he later prevailed upon her to withdraw some money and leave him her cell phones while she did.

The man soon left in a hurry, leaving her the bag with the money he showed her earlier. The bag turned out to contain a P500 bill with pieces of paper. She said she will recognize the man if she sees him again.