Facebook Loan Scam: Hairdresser Loses Thousands in Latest Online Fraud
A well-known hairdresser recently fell victim to a loan scam advertised on Facebook, losing 14,300 pesos. The advertisement promised accessible loans with manageable installments, a common lure used by fraudsters on social media platforms. This incident highlights the increasing prevalence of online scams and the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited financial offers.
The Bait: A Tempting Loan Offer
The victim, identified as Freddy Lavechia, responded to an advertisement offering substantial loans with attractive repayment terms. The offer involved a loan of 25,000 pesos, supposedly repayable in twelve installments of just over 2000 pesos.
The initial contact, using an Argentine phone number, stipulated that Lavechia needed to have approximately 4000 pesos in his Prex account as a condition for the loan.
The Hook: Video call and False assurance
The scammer, communicating via video call, claimed the loan would be processed through OCA, a reputable company. Tho, the scammer never revealed their face during the video call, a significant red flag. Lavechia recounted his experience:
I was looking for an extra money, a loan and a loan advertising appeared on Facebook, a good amount of money already certain quota value. There I communicated to the contact that appeared and contacted by video call.
He further admitted, I made the mistake of telling him my name,
noting that he had 14,300 pesos saved in his Prex card account. This details proved critical for the scammers.
The Sting: account Emptied
Under the guise of guiding him through the loan submission process, the scammer instructed Lavechia to follow a series of steps. It made me follow the steps and I fell,
Lavechia lamented, realizing too late that his account had been emptied. This incident underscores the deceptive tactics employed by online fraudsters, who exploit victims’ trust and financial needs.
A Recurring Modality: Social Media Scams
This case is not isolated. It reflects a growing trend of fraud on social media, where criminals exploit the need for credit to steal personal data and gain access to bank accounts. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown individuals online. Always verify the legitimacy of financial offers before proceeding with any transaction.
Past Warnings and Similar Incidents
In March, local authorities issued a warning to residents, particularly entrepreneurs and merchants, to be cautious of WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers. This warning stemmed from reports of individuals impersonating bromatology officials and falsely claiming to have received complaints against businesses. Facebook, in particular, has been a hotbed for scam activity. In January, a resident lost 146,000 pesos in a fraudulent truck sale facilitated through the platform.
