A 70-year-old Korean national was tracked down and arrested by police operatives for his alleged involvement in an investment property scam. The operation was led by the Philippine National Police Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (PNP NDACT) of Caloocan City, with the aid of leading finance app GCash.
The suspect, identified as Kyung Soo Lee, residing in Sucat, Parañaque City tried to hide from the complainant after receiving payment for an investment property from the victim he met online.
“This arrest serves as a reminder that cybercriminals will be held accountable for their actions regardless of nationality,” said GCash vice president and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan.
GCash reminded the public once again to be extra vigilant and remember safety protocols when transacting online. Maquilan added, “safeguarding our country’s digital landscape is a collective responsibility. On behalf of our partners from the PNP-ACG, we reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious activities to our hotlines. Our police authorities can only act on cybercriminals if there is a formal complaint filed with them.”
Users may report suspicious activities to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.
Users may also report all acts of cybercrime to the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.” They may also contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.
GCash users are also encouraged to exercise extra caution when transacting with other individuals. Never reveal their MPIN or OTP, and to refrain from clicking on links that can lead to loss of money through phishing. GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and OTP.(PR)
