Online scams prevalent in Cordillera; PNP wants info

CAMPO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Online scam is the leading cybercrime in Cordillera, according to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Police Regional Office Cordillera.
              Maj. Christian Pasiteng, Cordillera anti-cybercrime unit assistant chief, said most were committed in Baguio City, with 11 cases listed since January.

The modus of suspects involved in online scam: they ask for money like selling items that look genuine at a low price for reasons like they need money for emergencies.

Pasiteng said once the victim sends money, the suspect could not be found anymore.
Aside from online scam, online libel followed with seven cases, identity theft with five, and four cases for violation of Republic Act 9995 or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act.

There were reportedly two cases of online hacking.
Pasiteng said on security regarding online scam and identity theft, persons going online should privatize their accounts and always log out after using their gadgets.

“When someone tries to borrow money online, confirm the identity of the alleged suspect first by calling his cell number to verify that person," Pasiteng said.
           "On hacking, during the course of our investigation, what we found out is that the victim was compromised and not hacked. This was due to the loss of their cellphones wherein they forgot to log out, giving the suspects the opportunity to change the password of the victims' personal accounts," Pasiteng added.
             The regional anti-cybercrime unit urged the public to report to the unit cybercrime-related incidents so these would be addressed and perpetrators arrested.