If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Three Filipino call center agents have been sentenced to five months of jail time in Hong Kong over an alleged bank account scam, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement yesterday.
The Filipinos were identified by Hong Kong-based newspaper The SUN Hong Kong as Enrique Vargas, Ryan Illustrisimo, and Maureen Gutierrez.
The DFA said they were sentenced on Monday after their “free Hong Kong tour” turned out to be a scam to open bank accounts using forged documents.
The three arrived in Hong Kong on Oct. 9. Using forged documents given to them by locals, they all opened bank accounts at the Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank. Authorities suspect these will be used for money laundering.
Despite successfully opening an account, bank officials became suspicious and the three were arrested when they returned to Bank of China on Oct. 12.
Vargas, 30, told investigators the three of them didn’t know each other. He said he opened the bank account in exchange for free travel and lodging in Hong Kong, an offer he allegedly saw on social media. Illustrisimo, 30, and Gutierrez, 23, said they took up the same offer.
Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio Morales said the three are expected to be released in March “after serving a reduced sentence for pleading guilty to two counts of ‘using a false instrument’ before the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts.”
Morales said that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has been giving support and legal advice to the three, including jail visits to ascertain their condition.
Reader Interactions