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Friday, March 29, 2024

PNP warns vs ‘Oplan Tokhang’ online scam

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The Philippine National Police warned the public against syndicates using a supposed Oplan “Tokhang” watchlist to coerce and exact money from netizens on the pretext that they are involved in the selling and use of illegal drugs.

Chief Supt Marni Marcos Jr. director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, said they had monitored criminals using the modus “telecom fraud,” using “Tokhang” to exact money from their would-be victims who are supposed to be involved in illegal drugs as a form of blackmail.

“A new kind of modus operandi identified as “telecom fraud” is being monitored by the PNP ACG as it is reportedly preying on citizens by informing them of their alleged involvement in the PNP’s “narcolist” through texts or calls,” Marcos said.

He said the scheme has fueled concerns among netizens as the suspects use the mobile technology to modify phone numbers to make it appear that the victims called IDs came from the PNP or government agencies’ hotline.

Marcos said that under the pretext of representing themselves as local police officers or other law enforcement agencies, the suspects causes alarm to unsuspecting persons on the other line by informing them that they are included in the PNP’s drug watchlist and are being subjected to Tokhang.

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Marcos said the suspects will implicate their victims in illegal drugs and would then asked them to cough up money or divulge their personal or financial information.

Oplan “Tokhang,” which literally means “knock and plead” was designed by the PNP to encourage individuals who are listed in respective barangay’s drug watchlist to surrender and mend their ways or undergo rehabilitation.

Marcos reminded the public that “Oplan Tokhang” was never in in any way being conducted through phone calls, text messages or any other means of digital communication.

He said the PNP or the Philippine government in general “never” uses telecommunications (call, SMS, and the like) in conducting Oplan Tokhang.

“Never submit yourself into any scam as this one, remember that Oplan Tokhang is initiated by a PNP member in uniform to a person listed in a drug watchlist in his/her known address, accompanied by a Barangay Official,” Marcos said.

Marcos also reminded the public to avoid answering calls from phone numbers not listed in their personal contact list so as not to fall prey to the modus.

He also urged netizens not to disclose personal and financial information to anybody, especially to strangers.

“If you’re not involved in any illegal drug activities, then do not be alarmed by any calls or texts you will receive and just ignore them; or preserve the text messages and the number used by the scammer by taking a screenshot—as it can be used as a lead to identify the person behind it,” Marcos explained.

He also urged the public to report to the nearest PNP ACG office or police station in the event any modus through calls and texts.

Marcos also encouraged the public to be vigilant while engaging in any online activity as criminals nowadays use the convenience of technology in carrying out their modus.

“Be smart! To know more about this kind of scam or to report an incident of cybercrime by calling PNP ACG hotline 414-1560 or visit its facebook page: PNP Anticybercrime Group.”

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