Interior chief warns of shift to small-scale scam houses in metro areas

At a press briefing, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described a shift in scam operations toward rented houses that accommodate ten to twenty people, labeling it a “new trend.” He noted that previous scams were run from large facilities housing up to 5,000 individuals, whereas one outlet “micro hubs” are much smaller and often located in the metro area. A recent police action targeted a hub in Zamboanga Sibugay, and officials are currently monitoring three active hubs whose exact locations remain unknown.

Detection relies on patterns of electricity and internet consumption as well as the movements of suspected participants. Remulla said senior citizens are the primary victims, losing their savings to these schemes. He also indicated that some of the perpetrators are foreigners working with local partners, and that authorities have identified several individuals involved.