Written by: Tetch Torres-Tupas
MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has warned citizens against engaging in online lending activities. On Friday, the Bureau announced the arrest of a Chinese woman, Mi Duan, alleging her involvement in an online loan sharking operation.
“We are receiving reports of fraudulent cash loan schemes. It’s essential to be cautious because these frauds are a menace to society,” said NBI National Capital Region Regional Director Rommel Vallejo.
The NBI arrested Mi Duan on 22nd July following an operation in Pasay City.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by a female complainant who borrowed P3,500 using the 24HPeso app, available on the Google Play store. However, the complainant only received P1,900, after the company deducted the interest upfront. Nevertheless, she managed to pay off the entire P3,500 loan.
Continuous Harassment
Even though she had completed the payment, 24HPeso’s collection agents continued to harass her, even threatening her life.
The complainant also received unnerving messages like, “Embrace all your loved ones. You will regret this for sure. You ran from your obligations. Remember, you crossed the wrong person. Your mistake was leaving behind information.” The complainant has received constant phone calls even after providing proof of her completed payment, intensifying her mental distress.
The NBI discovered that the 24HPeso app contains malware that accesses the phonebook of the user’s mobile phone after installation, and the data collected is used to exploit, harass, and threaten the victim, which includes posting on social media platforms.
The NBI, armed with a search warrant, executed it at the 24HPeso office in Pasay City after locating it.
The NBI agents seized 33 smartphones, 32 computers, 1 laptop, 1 USB containing CCTV footage, a set of documents from Visionary Lending Inc., and a set of lease contracts during the operation.
Impeccable Documentation
Jamie Santiago, the NBI Director, affirmed the law enforcement operation was meticulously documented through videos, photos, and body-worn cameras, adhering to a Supreme Court order.
Other Filipino collection agents initially enlisted as collection agents claimed they were instructed to bother the clients once they started working. They also faced verbal and physical abuse in case their daily targets weren’t met. These collection agents will now serve as the government’s witness.
Mi, who could not produce a passport, is now facing charges for violating Section 25 of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA No. 10175).
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### What is the 24HPeso app?
The 24HPeso app is an online lending platform available on the Google Play store. Recent investigation has revealed that it carries malware that accesses user’s contacts post installation.
#### What consequences did the protagonist of this case face?
Mi Duan, who was apprehended but failed to produce a passport, now faces charges of breaching the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
#### What steps has NBI taken to resolve such fraudulent incidents?
The NBI has seized 33 smartphones, 32 computers, one laptop, one USB containing CCTV footage, and other documents from the lending company’s office at Pasay City post receiving a complaint. Their operations are in adherence with a Supreme Court order. They have also warned the public against engaging in such online lending schemes.
