NBI raps 10 “scammers”

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal complaint for syndicated estafa was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against four officials and six staff of a corporation allegedly involved in pyramid scheme.

The NBI named Ads Zens Broker Corporation vice-president Joebert Gayo, Cebu branch manager Edgar Jaranilla, finance manager Agnes Jaranilla, marketing and operations manager Lolito Sugian, and staff Rogelio Bagasbas, Sherylyn Gayo, Everline Bagasbas, Bethel Sugian, Rachel Quijano, and Grace Maglines as respondents in the complaint.

The respondents are allegedly selling security stocks to its victims with a promise of huge returns of investment. However, the respondents failed in their promise.

Several of the company’s victims earlier sought the help of the NBI to investigate the operation of Ads Zens Broker Corporation. The NBI found out that the company is not authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell stocks.

The complainants said that the company collects P1,500 as membership from investors. The amount comes with it several products as part of the package. Among the products are 10 pieces solar energy sticker, one piece alkaline stick, 10 pieces organic soap and four bottles barley.

The company’s main office is located in Pasay City while its Cebu Branch is at the second floor of Rain Tree Mall in Ramos. It has however closed since December.

The respondents run the business through paid-to click (PTC), an online marketing program where members or users earned by just clicking or viewing advertisements posted on a website. — (FREEMAN)