Police tell scammer’s victims: File charges

There are many scammers now, even during the pandemic. Don’t just trust a person. Check the background of the person

The 37-year-old businessman who was involved in a stabbing incident in Quezon City last Friday has been identified by another victim he scammed years ago, running away with almost half-a-million pesos.

Abraham Tan was arrested by Fairview police after he stabbed Raymund Matabang, a contractor, rather than pay the P2 million he owed him.

One of Tan’s victims, identified as alias “Rey,” said he was scammed by the suspect in 2013.

Tan was tapped by the victim to construct his office building in 2013. The suspect kept on asking from the victim for money to pay his suppliers.

“Rey” assured Tan he instead would pay the supplier directly, managing to advance as much as P500,000.

It was only when the supplier contacted the victim to collect the undelivered payment did “Rey” realize Tan had scammed him.

Apparently, he discovered Tan was able to open a bank account under the name of the supplier’s company where he deposited all the checks.

Rather than run after Tan, “Rey” hired another contactor to complete his unfinished office building.

P/Lt. Col. Melchor Rosales, Fairview Police station commander, encouraged others who might have been victimized by Tan to file cases against the suspect.

“Those who were victimized by Abraham Tan, 37 years old, a businessman who presently resides in Bacoor, Cavite, can file a case based on the crimes he committed in the area where it occurred, so that the case may be stronger, than later be dismissed based on jurisdiction,” Rosales said.

The police official said the victims can even file a case directly against Tan if they also gave him money.

“We can help them by giving the details of the suspect that will be needed in filing the case,” he added.

“It’s really hard if you trusted the person and when money is involved. There are many scammers now, even during the pandemic. Don’t just trust a person. Check the background of the person by using Google. Maybe his profile may just be a fake account,” Rosales explained.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEY SANCHEZ MENDOZA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE STAFF of the Intramuros Administration assist residents in taking their pick of fresh produce at a community pantry set up in front of the Manila Cathedral, inspired after a similar initiative in Maginhawa Street.