CONGRATS. A reader told The Ear that last July 6 he received a text that said, “Congrats... Ur cellphone number had won P780,000 2nd prize winner draw last July5, 2008. To claim your prize pls call me now, Sec. Bobby C. Lopez (the auditor, Phils. Charity Foundation)... per DTI-NCR No.4728. Sender: PCSO. When he called the number he was given instructions to text his name, address, etc., including the name of his bank and account number. He was also instructed to buy 8 pieces of prepaid call cards, which amounted to P2,400.
FRIENDLY ADVICE. When this reader went to the bank to withdraw money, he showed the “Congrats” text to his friend. His friend exclaimed, “Porbida, Brod. Don’t believe that. Daghan na ang nabiktima ana. They will ask you to call them until you consume the call cards they instructed you to buy then you lost contact with them.” The reader said he went home with mixed emotions, sad but at the same time glad that his friend advised him against this text fraud.