Comedian Victor Anastacio loses significant amount of money to scammer on Facebook Marketplace

• Comedian Victor Anastacio posted a video where he revealed falling victim to a scam on Facebook Marketplace
• He recounted how he got scammed while shopping on the platform for a camera to use for his comedy shows
• Anastacio revealed the significant amount of money he lost to the fraudster
• He also warned others to be cautious of scammers after his experience

Victor Anastacio has taken to social media to share how he fell victim to a scam on Facebook Marketplace.

In a video he posted on Wednesday, June 2, the comedian revealed he lost P20,000 to the scammer who pretended to sell a Sony ZV-E10 camera. As per Anastacio, he was looking for a camera to use for his comedy shows.

“Nakita ko sa Facebook Marketplace, ang presyo niya P36,000, P39,000, P33,000. Ngayon nakita ko isa P20,000, ang location sa Quezon City,” said Anastacio, admitting that the “unbelievable deal” should have served as a warning sign.

The scammer was skeptical of Anastacio and requested a video call to demonstrate the device. However, the actor pointed out that the seller did not display his face during the call or on his Facebook profile photo, which he said was another red flag he should have looked out for.

When Anastacio asked for a meet-up, the seller told him, “May newborn baby po kasi ako, hindi ako makakaalis.” The seller then suggested hiring a delivery service.

“Kinuha niya ulit 'yung tiwala ko. Sabi niya, 'Sir, dapat sedan. Kapag motor, baka pag-interesan nila, baka kunin. So para sa safety lang sir,'” Anastacio recalled.

Since Anastacio made the delivery service reservation, he assumed this was legit. “Walang paraan na siya 'yung mamili ng driver. Random 'yun ‘di ba?”

However, during the video call when the delivery rider reached the seller's location, neither of their faces was visible. What Anastacio only witnessed was the courier receiving the camera.

The vendor declined to make a video call after Anastacio paid the down payment. Meanwhile, the delivery driver called from a different phone number than the one stated in the app, claiming that the seller's wife was battling him about the alleged sale of the camera.

Anastacio noticed that the wife appeared to be voiced by a man, which tipped him off that he had been scammed.

He then directed the courier to complete the transaction and deliver the camera, but the driver insisted on paying the remaining P10,000 first, claiming he didn't want to be trapped between the seller and his alleged wife.

“Tapos sabi niya, 'Eh basta sir, ayokong maipit. Kung gusto niyo, pumunta kayo dito. Pumunta kayo sa barangay. Eh since scammer nga sila, alam nila na 'yung location ko malayo. Or 'yung binook nila, ay hindi totoong address nila,” Anastacio said, adding that he began to suspect the driver was an accomplice.

Despite his doubts, the actor proceeded with the remaining payments and thought there was a 50/50 chance he could still get his order. However, rather than heading to the comedian's location, the driver went to speak with the seller to see if the payment had been reflected, which they claimed had not.

As per the comedian, the order remained ongoing an hour and thirty minutes after the incident. The driver also started moving away from the seller's location and stopped taking calls.

“Pangalawang beses na na-scam ako eh. Gusto kong i-report sa NBI para ma-trace ko kung paano ako magre-report next time na ma-scam muli ako,” he said. 

Furthermore, Anastacio urged the public to stay vigilant and take note of the warning signs when shopping online.

Watch the video below:

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to almost everyone who get to read about the stories online.

In a previous report by KAMI, Anne Curtis’ agency, Viva Artists Agency, warned the public about a deepfâke video of the actress. The agency took to its social media page to express alarm over the manipulated use of the TV host's likeness on a Facebook page called "Investment Illumination."

In another report, Michael V has taken to social media to warn the public about a fake ad. He posted a video of the ad which was manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI). It used the Kapuso comedian’s face and voice to endorse a WiFi modem.

Source: KAMI.com.gh