50 victims of lending scams seek Marcos Jr’s help

MANILA, Philippines — Victims of online lending scams have appealed for assistance from President Marcos and the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying they have been constantly receiving threats and intimidation for not being able to pay their loans on time.

At least 50 people who have fallen victims to scammers hiding behind lending apps went to the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.

Gemma Sotto, president of United Filipino Global, one of the groups assisting the victims, said Marcos should look into the scheme, which also victimized overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

She said there are at least 100,000 OFWs and local workers who have been at the receiving end of the predatory practices of online lending firms.

According to Sotto, they want the people behind these scams to be held accountable for bringing misery to the victims.

Online lending apps entice people to secure loans with the offer of low interest rates. However, the victims are unaware that their personal information such as phone contacts and addresses are obtained once they click on a link provided by the scammers.

If they fail to pay their loans on time, the victims receive threatening messages on their cell phones and their social media accounts.

Among the victims is a female OFW from Singapore, who was forced to return to the Philippines after the lending app sent a demand letter, which was sent to her employer’s address.

She took out a loan for P40,000 four months ago, which she has yet to pay in full due to the high interest rate.

Another victim is “Cherry,” who got scared after employees of a funeral parlor visited her at home.

She said she first received a text message warning her of death for not paying her loan.

“May pinadala sila na funeral service sa bahay,” she said.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia assured the victims that the Anti-Cybercrime Group would not stop until the scammers are caught.