Philippines arrests 100 in raid on suspected online scam farm: Video
Philippine authorities arrested about 100 individuals on Friday during a raid on a suspected online scam operation in the Makati financial district.
The syndicate reportedly extorted victims by approving quick loans and then using personal information for harassment, the AFP reports.
The operation is part of a nationwide crackdown on online crime operators that often disguise themselves as gaming companies.
Gilberto Cruz, Director of the Philippine Anti-Organised Crime Commission, explained the tactics used by the suspects: "They would approve your loan application immediately but demand access to your contacts and phone gallery. Victims were then harassed with threats and exposure of personal photos, including addresses. Some even received coffins and funeral wreaths."
The psychological toll has been severe, according to Cruz. "Some victims developed mental health issues, fell into depression, and there have even been reports of suicides due to harassment," he said.
One female victim, who spoke anonymously, described the trauma: "They told me there was a bounty on my head and that they would come to my home and my family's home. It was terrifying."
A suspected employee of the scam farm claimed ignorance about the operation's illegal nature. "We were being eaten up by our conscience," he said. "We thought we were just advertising for a loan company. We didn’t know it was illegal."
