Updated:2024-11-14 02:58 Views:140
Photo from Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group
MANILA, Philippines — Central Luzon cops arrested a woman with the alias “Tita” for posing as her niece to lure a victim into giving her gifts, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said.
According to the PNP ACG’s report released on Wednesday, “Tita” created a Facebook account using her then 17-year-old niece’s name and began messaging a 70-year-old meat vendor in San Manuel town in Tarlac province.
Article continues after this advertisementThe suspect lured the victim into a secret relationship, which lasted for more than a year, getting him to send money and gifts said to be worth a total of nearly P1 million.
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On the niece’s 18th birthday, “Tita” asked the meat vendor for more money and gifts under the guise of celebrating the occasion.
Article continues after this advertisementWhen the victim grew suspicious and visited the niece at her home, he discovered that all the gifts he sent were with “Tita.”
Article continues after this advertisementTogether, the victim and the niece filed a complaint against her at the PNP ACG’s Central Luzon unit.
Article continues after this advertisement“Tita” was arrested in San Manuel, Tarlac at 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
She was charged with computer-related identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Article continues after this advertisementPNP ACG did not provide details as to the true identity of “Tita.”
In a statement, ACG officer-in-charge Col. Vina Guzman said, “We must remember that not everything we see on social media is genuine.”
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“Always verify the identity of the person you are speaking with before sending money or gifts to ensure they are who they claim to be. Taking this simple precaution can protect you from becoming a victim of a romance scamhit-bonus,” Guzman added.
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