NBI arrests 3 suspects in online parcel scam

MANILA – Three suspects were apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) after they were allegedly caught in the act of carrying out an online parcel scam.

The operation followed a complaint filed by one of the victims, who sought assistance from the NBI-CCD after falling victim to the suspects’ alleged modus operandi.

“Ang sabi nila yung kanilang paninda na binebenta nila online ay pinapalitan at ika-cancel yung transaction at pagbalik sa kanila napalitan na ng wipes yung kanilang mga product,” said Efren Abantao, chief of the NBI Cybercrime Division.  

Following the complaint, NBI-CCD agents conducted surveillance and launched an operation that led to the suspects’ apprehension.

“Mayroon siyang mag-oorder then yung doon sa delivery may na intercept then pag na intercept ibabalik na nila na iba na yung laman,” said Abantao.  

Among the items seized as evidence were high-end gadgets, including cameras and smartphones, as well as tissue paper and baby wet wipes allegedly used to replace the content of the parcels.

“Nung nag-switch na sila ng items because may delivery rider na bibigay sa kanila sa sasakyan nila yung item, then after nung switching nila doon na namin inintercept,” Efren Abantao, Chief, NBI Cybercrime 

The operation was conducted on September 25 in Valenzuela City.

Abantao reminded sellers to exercise caution when dealing with buyers, particularly in online transactions and those involving the Cash on Delivery (COD) payment method.

“Dapat momonitor din natin yung mga buyer kung ito ba trusted buyer pa ‘to? Ito bang mga buyer mo hindi lagi nagcacancel? Normally meron silang ratings sa mga buyers nila,” Abantao said. 

The suspects are facing charges of robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.