NCRPO urges caution over financial scams

Metro Manila police authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against financial scams and fraudulent schemes that exploit personal relationships and trust to extort money.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) issued the public advisory following an entrapment operation along Seaside Boulevard in Barangay 76, Pasay City, where officers arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to extort money under the guise of traditional courtship.

NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano warned against schemes relying on emotional manipulation, romance, or fake identities to obtain funds.

"Scammers will use different stories and different approaches to gain your trust and eventually take your money," Abrahano said in a statement.

"We are reminding the public not to easily give money to someone simply because of promises, emotional appeals, or a relationship that has not been sufficiently verified," he added.

Abrahano stressed that the Pasay operation highlights the necessity of contacting law enforcement when financial requests raise suspicion.

He advised against sharing personal details, passwords, or bank information with individuals met online or acquaintances demanding sudden monetary transfers.

"Do not allow trust to override caution," Abrahano added, cautioning that recovering funds after a digital transfer remains difficult.

The NCRPO urged victims of fraud to report incidents via the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline or at local police stations, stressing that reporting prevents recurring schemes in the capital region.