Hope you’re all having a fantastic day! We’ve got a gripping story straight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that’s as intense as your favorite crime thriller but very real. So, grab your coffee and let’s dive in!
The Arrest
On July 17, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at NAIA Terminal 3 nabbed Jason Han Hsu, a Korean-American wanted in Seoul for telecommunications fraud. Just as he was about to board an Air Asia flight to Osaka, Japan, alert BI officers intercepted him. Hsu, holding a US passport, will now be on the BI’s list of undesirable aliens and is banned from re-entering the Philippines.
The Scam
Hsu allegedly worked with a voice phishing syndicate that operated out of China from May 2018 to November 2019. What’s voice phishing, you ask? It’s when scammers call you pretending to be from a trusted organization, convincing you to share personal information or, worse, money.
In this case, victims in Korea were duped into thinking they could borrow large sums at low interest rates but had to send money to specific bank accounts first. These accounts belonged to Hsu and his cronies. The syndicate raked in over $1.06 million through this scam.
How He Was Caught
According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the BI officer at the departure counter noticed a red notice from Interpol against Hsu. After confirming his identity, the immigration supervisors promptly arrested him. Hsu is now cooling his heels at the BI custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, awaiting deportation.
Protect Yourself from Voice Phishing Scams
Voice phishing is a prevalent scam, but you can protect yourself by following these simple steps:
- Verify the Caller: If someone calls asking for personal or financial information, always verify their identity. Call the organization back using a number you trust.
- Never Share Personal Info: Don’t give out personal information like bank details or social security numbers over the phone unless you’re sure about the caller’s identity.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the authorities immediately.
Stay vigilant and always double-check who you’re talking to. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but a bit of caution can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Scams like these are not just stories; they’re real threats that can affect anyone. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.
Stay safe and scam-free, Scamstallers! To learn more, read original article here