Did a Scammer Use Multiply and GCASH to Victimize iPhone Buyer?

By Rico, 9:09 am Wed Sep 10 2008 - Interviews - 5 Opinions

Be careful folks! It seems that there are some unscrupulous people seeking to take advantage of all the hype surrounding the iPhone 3G. Through some contacts, I was introduced yesterday to a certain Angel (yes, that’s her name), who had a complaint about an online iPhone seller who apparently stiffed her.

To summarize: Angel paid a certain Karen Laureta, who was selling the popular phone and was accepting payments through GCASH, Western Union, LBC Pera Padala, and direct deposit to BPI. Karen also promised delivery via LBC, 2GO, JRS Express, or personal meet-up at “NCCC mall, Matina Davao City”.

Continue reading for Angel’s story, which details how the scammer allegedly used Multiply and GCASH to relieve Angel of at least P14,600, with nothing to show for it.

During late August, a post was made to the Ateneo and De La Salle University group advertising the iPhone 3G for 14k. My friend was looking for an iPhone and I informed her about it. I also inquired with the person who posted the blog entry, namely beautyhotspot.multiply.com aka Karel Laureta [editor's note: cached version, the profile is no longer active]. Apparently, she is from Davao. I asked if there are stocks left and whether it was truly an iPhone 3G. She even said it was a white 16GB iPhone 3G.

My friend conveyed her interest to purchase one and asked me to do it for her. I humbly heeded my friend’s request. As I was cautious when it comes to buying online expensive stuff, e.g this iPhone, I even asked if she might just be a scam. Stupid actually of me to ask. As if she will admit it. Anyway, she said she has been in business for quite sometime. Since she said only 1 unit was left, and there was no balance in my GCASH yet, I sent her P600 which will allegedly be my reservation fee to close the transaction and the phone would thus be considered sold

The next day, I was able to pay her the 14k. She sent me a text message confirming receipt and that she will have the phone shipped in a while. I asked when I will receive the phone. She said the next day, which was a Friday. Friday came. Even Saturday but to no avail. No iPhone. I texted her, called her numerous times, God knows how many but she wasnt answering. Then she sent a text message saying she was at work and would call me later on. And she didnt call. I asked what the tracking number was and she didnt give me anything. Sunday came and still no iPhone. I texted her about it, told her that I have duly paid her and yet there was no phone. No reply. No answer to my gazillion calls. I then said in my text that in case she was a scam, she would be liable for estafa; she told me I was bastos in her reply.

I said what’s so bastos with what I said when here she was who is inconsiderate to her customers, not replying, not answering, when the sale was already perfected. Anyway, she said she will text the tracking number when she gets home. Did she text? No. She didn’t even sent back the excess amount I gave her.

Lastly, she told me that it will arrive within the day. But it didn’t. I even inquired with LBC and 2Go but without the tracking number, they wouldn’t know. I tried to call her and contact her, guess what, in the afternoon today, her number wasn’t anymore in use. And her site, mysteriously cancelled.

I’ve forwarded Angel to someone within Globe who may be able to help. Here’s to hoping that everything’s resolved properly.

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