Online scam victims seek CIDG assistance

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – Ten overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) victimized by an alleged online shopping scam yesterday sought the help of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) here.

Superintendent Richard Verceles, CIDG deputy regional chief, vowed to help OFWs Elvie Vendal, Angelus Cruz, Janlielon Angeles, Genalyn de Jesus, Maria Teresa Maurillo, Carmela Alumbro, Lanie San Andres and Mariedel Go.

Earlier, Vendal sought the help of local journalists for the arrest of the suspect she identified as Cristy Cogay, who allegedly duped her and her friends into buying laptop computers and mobile phones.

Vendal and her friends, who were then based in Taiwan, paid for the items, worth P27,000, through a money transfer services company. She said the items were to be delivered to them.

Authorities tried but failed to locate Cogay, who reportedly declared her address to be in Barangay Lingsat in this city.

The complainants said Cogay befriended them through  Facebook and offered them electronic gadgets, shoes and clothes.

After the money had been sent, Cogay reportedly deactivated her account on Facebook.

After learning about Vendal’s plight, more OFWs allegedly conned by Cogay surfaced and sought help from CIDG.

The complainant submitted copies of their online transactions with Cogay.

Another OFW from San Carlos City, Pangasinan named Ellen dela Cruz claimed she was victimized online by a certain Errich Joi Fabb D Cena in October.