Online seller nabbed for identity theft

MANILA, Philippines — An online seller was arrested in Mandaluyong on Wednesday for identity theft, the police anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said yesterday.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding said Christian Sanchez Jr.’s arrest in an entrapment operation was in response to the complaint of a man who claimed the suspect used his photographs and identity in his illegal activities.

The complainant told investigators that before using his identity, Sanchez blocked him on Facebook after he paid half of the P3,900 they agreed as payment for the suspect’s cell phone, which he put on sale on Facebook Market.

The victim went to the ACG after he learned the suspect had been using his identity in selling various gadgets online.

Seized from Sanchez were P1,200 in marked money and a cell phone.

The suspect is being held on charges of computer-related identity theft.