The PNP Anti-Cyber Crime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested a woman inside a mall in Metro Manila during an in-person transaction for BTS concert tickets sold online.

The operation stemmed from a victim's request for assistance from the PNP-ACG.

According to the victim, the transaction initially seemed legitimate as the suspect provided a contract and an identification card. This led to a swift deal, where the victim immediately sent a down payment for two tickets. However, after receiving the money, the suspect failed to provide the tickets.

“July 12 kasi she sent me a screenshot saying na nawawala yung tickets niya sa ticket master account, and akala ko system glitch lang ‘to kasi usually ganun ang nangyayari,” said the victim, Alias Anne

[“On July 12, she sent me a screenshot saying her tickets were missing from the Ticketmaster account, and I thought it was just a system  glitch because that usually happens.”]

“So, I gave her advice on paanong pwede niyang gawin. I asked her kung paano niya sinecure ‘yung tickets. Sabi niya naman the natural way, wala ding option to refund. So, I gave it a few days pero until parang around late July 4 or July 15, it was not appearing pa rin,” she added

[“So I gave her advice on what she could do. I asked her how she secured the tickets. She said in a natural way that there was no option to refund. So, I gave it a few days, but until around July 14 or July 115, they were still not appearing.”]

In this situation, the victim raised her suspicions, prompting her to verify online then later she discovered an online group chat of fellow victims.

PNP-ACG PMGen. Wilson Asueta reminded the public not to trust online offers and to always verify before paying.

“Kailangan bumili lang sila sa authorized seller and authorized ticketing booth,” PMGen. Asueta said

[“They should only purchase from authorized sellers and authorized ticketing booths.”]

“Maging mapanuri sila. Mag-verify sila nang maigi kung ang kausap nila ay totoo o seryoso sa kanilang ginagawa para hindi sila mabiktima, ma-scam,” he added

[“They need to be vigilant. They must verify thoroughly whether the person they are dealing with is legitimate and truthful so they do not fall victim to scams.”]

The suspect remains in custody and faces charges.

“We were able to file a case of estafa in violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code,” Asueta said.

“This is in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. If convicted, she could face imprisonment ranging from over 6 months to 2 years,” he added.

‍