A Painful Lesson: How I Fell Victim to a Well-Orchestrated Scam

I never thought it could happen to me. I consider myself a careful and logical person, but scammers have perfected their tactics to the point that even the most cautious individuals can fall victim. Today, I am sharing my story—not just to seek justice for myself, but to prevent others from experiencing the same devastation.

This is more than just a personal loss; it’s a fight against a growing epidemic of online fraud that continues to exploit hard-working Filipinos.

The Deception Begins

It all started when I was looking for assistance in processing a business permit in Manila. Like many others, I turned to social media, specifically a Facebook group, to seek guidance. That’s where I encountered Marvin Kobe Fernandez—a man who presented himself as someone with high-level government connections.

Marvin quickly gained my trust. He spoke with confidence, claimed to have insider knowledge, and offered to expedite my permit process. To make his story more believable, he introduced me to another person: Angelo Uy Lu, who he claimed was the Chief City Treasurer of Manila.

The illusion of legitimacy was carefully crafted.

🔹 They showed photos inside Manila City Hall
🔹 They presented official-looking documents
🔹 They provided receipts and correspondence that seemed authentic
🔹 They communicated in a professional and persuasive manner

Everything about their scheme was designed to make me believe I was dealing with real government officials.

How They Stole My Hard-Earned Money

At first, the payments they asked for seemed reasonable. Small fees here and there for document processing, legal requirements, and permit approvals.

But soon, those “small” amounts started to pile up. Each time I questioned them, they reassured me with official-looking receipts and messages that sounded legitimate.

And then—it happened.

The moment I had sent a significant amount of money, they vanished.

🔴 No more replies
🔴 No more updates
🔴 No more promises fulfilled

Reality sank in. I had been scammed.

Click  here to [Access the Actual Files], including screenshots, photos, documents, and other evidence detailing the exchanges between the scammer and the victim.

The Devastating Aftermath

As I began investigating, I discovered that I was not their only victim. These individuals have been running this scam repeatedly, deceiving countless others using the same tactics.

Who Are These Scammers?

Here are the names, accounts, and contact details they used:

📌 Scammer #1: Marvin Kobe Fernandez (Facebook: @marvin.kobe.fernandez.2024)
📌 Scammer #2: Angelo Uy Lu (Phone: 09569078323 | 09312017754)
📌 Scammer #3: Ray Jacson
📌 GCash Used: 09312017754 (Angelo U. Lu)
📌 Landbank Account: 0606260458 (Marvin Kobe Fernandez)

These criminals are still out there, preying on more innocent people. If we don’t act now, they will continue to destroy lives.

A Sincere Warning to the Public

I am sharing my painful experience because I don’t want anyone else to fall into the same trap. These scammers use psychological manipulation to gain your trust.

Here’s what I learned:

⚠ Never trust online transactions without verification. Always check with the proper government agencies.
⚠ Do not send money unless you have official agreements and receipts issued by verified offices.
⚠ Beware of fake officials. If someone claims to have “connections” or can “fast-track” your transactions, take it as a red flag.
⚠ Double-check identities. Just because someone shows you photos, receipts, or documents doesn’t mean they are legitimate.
⚠ Scammers operate in small amounts at first. They gain your trust with minimal requests, then slowly increase the amount until you’ve given them a significant sum.

Scammers are smart—but we can be smarter.

Fighting Back: Seeking Justice and Stopping These Scammers

I refuse to let these criminals get away with what they’ve done—not just to me, but to countless others who have suffered in silence.

That’s why I am taking action.

🔹 Filing a legal case against these scammers
🔹 Pushing for stricter laws against online fraud
🔹 Demanding accountability from platforms like GCash, Facebook, and telecom providers that unknowingly enable these scams
🔹 Educating the public to prevent future scams

But I need your help.

How You Can Help

I am raising funds to fight back—to bring these scammers to justice, to advocate for stronger consumer protection laws, and to launch awareness campaigns that will protect others.

✅ Donate to my fundraiser – Every contribution will help cover legal costs, investigative expenses, and public awareness efforts.
✅ Share my story – The more people know about these scams, the harder it will be for fraudsters to continue operating.
✅ Report suspicious activities – If you have been scammed or know someone who has, speak up.

No one should have to go through what I went through. No one deserves to be deceived, robbed, and left feeling helpless.

If we stand together, we can stop these criminals.

🙏 Join me in this fight for justice! Let’s put an end to scams—one case at a time. 🙏

📢 DONATE & SHARE HERE: [GoGetFunding]

#JusticeForScamVictims #StopScammers #ProtectFilipinos #ExposeFraud #CyberCrime #FightBack #AntiCyberCrimeGroup #GcashAccountability

A Sincere Apology and a Warning to the Public – Learn From My Painful Mistake

To everyone reading this,

I want to sincerely express how deeply sorry I am—not just to myself but to the public—because I allowed myself to fall into this scam. I now realize that I was not strong enough to apply the critical thinking and logical reasoning that could have saved me from this terrible mistake. I ignored my gut instincts and the formalities I should have insisted on, all because I was eager to speed up the process.

I trusted too easily because of the sweet, kind, and convincing words they used. Every move seemed legitimate—receipts, photos inside Manila City Hall, and official-looking documents all added to the illusion of credibility. I was introduced to Mr. Angelo U. Lu, who was presented as the Chief of the Manila City Treasurer’s Office under the Business Permit & License Office (BPLO). The introduction came from Engr. Marvin Kobe Fernandez, and because of the supposed high position of Mr. Lu, I let my guard down and believed everything they said.

Yes, I admit I made a mistake. I was blinded by the thought that since the BPLO Chief himself was handling my case, everything would be faster, smoother, and more legitimate. Because of his position, I ignored all the red flags and willingly sent money through GCash whenever he asked. At first, the amounts seemed small and reasonable, making the whole process feel real. But I failed to realize that those small amounts were slowly adding up, and before I knew it, I had already lost a huge sum of money.

A Warning to the Public – Don’t Make the Same Mistake I Did

I am sharing this painful experience to warn you and prevent others from falling victim to these deceitful schemes. If you are ever approached by someone claiming to have connections with high-ranking government officials, be cautious. No matter how convincing they sound, always verify their credentials directly with the proper government offices.

Do not rush. Scammers take advantage of people who want a faster and easier way to process things. The more desperate or eager you are, the easier it is for them to manipulate you.

Do not rely on social media alone. Just because someone appears legitimate online—complete with receipts, photos, and connections—does not mean they are truly who they claim to be.

Always insist on official transactions and never send money through GCash or any informal channels without a proper and verifiable written agreement. Real government transactions always have official receipts, signed documents, and clear processes.

To everyone reading this, I hope you learn from my mistake. It is painful, humiliating, and heartbreaking, but if sharing my story can help even one person avoid falling into the same trap, then at least something good will come out of this nightmare.

Please be vigilant. Please be cautious. Do not let these scammers ruin your hard-earned money and dreams.

Stay safe, everyone. 🙏

#ScamAwareness #StayVigilant #ProtectYourHardEarnedMoney #ExposeScammers #ThinkBeforeYouTrust

A Call for Authorities and the Public to Take Action

There are moments in life when we believe we are making the right choices, only to realize—too late—that we have walked straight into the Devil’s trap. I am writing this not just as a victim but as a warning to everyone out there who, like me, only wanted to do the right thing but ended up being deceived by a master manipulator.

This is my story. A story of trust, deceit, and painful betrayal. A story that I hope will open the eyes of authorities and the public to the growing network of scammers preying on hardworking Filipinos.

Click  here to [Access the Actual Files], including screenshots, photos, documents, and other evidence detailing the exchanges between the scammer and the victim.

The Conversations with the Devil

Everything started with one innocent question I posted on a public group—seeking help for my business permit processing. That’s when Engr. Marvin Kobe Fernandez entered my life, disguised as a good-hearted person offering help.

Through Viber, our conversations began. What seemed to be professional, well-mannered exchanges quickly turned into a web of deception. He introduced me to Angelo U. Lu, whom he falsely claimed to be the Chief of the Manila City Treasurer’s Office under the Business Permit & License Office (BPLO). That title alone gave me a false sense of security.

How the Scammer Played the Game

1. Building Trust Through Sweet Words

   • The scammer was careful in his approach, speaking with professionalism and kindness. He made sure to sound well-connected, influential, and helpful.
   • He reassured me that everything was legit and processed inside Manila City Hall, sending pictures, receipts, and government-related documents that looked authentic.

2. Using Authority as a Weapon

   • Because Mr. Lu was supposedly a BPLO Chief, I believed that things would move faster and smoother. This position of power blinded me, making me ignore the red flags.
   • Scammers use fake authority to gain trust—and it worked on me.

3. The Slow and Calculated Money Requests

   • Unlike typical scams that demand large amounts instantly, this devil worked strategically—requesting small amounts at first to make everything seem legitimate.
   • Each amount seemed reasonable, making it easy for me to send money via GCash without hesitation.
   • Before I knew it, the amount snowballed into a huge loss—money that I can never get back.

4. Disappearing Act

   • After receiving a significant amount, the scammer slowly stopped responding.
   • That’s when I realized: I had been played. The transactions weren’t real. The position he claimed wasn’t real.
   • Everything was a lie.

Click  here to [Access the Actual Files], including screenshots, photos, documents, and other evidence detailing the exchanges between the scammer and the victim.

A Call to Action – Authorities, Please Act Now!

To the NBI, PNP Cybercrime Unit, and Government Officials, I humbly plead for your intervention. This is not just about my case—this is about stopping a growing crime syndicate that is preying on Filipinos who simply want to conduct business honestly.

🔴 Track and arrest these scammers before they claim more victims.
🔴 Investigate and verify their digital footprints. Their accounts, conversations, and GCash transactions all serve as evidence.
🔴 Strengthen laws on financial fraud and digital scams. The government must act before more innocent people fall victim to these schemes.

A Warning to the Public – Don’t Fall Like I Did

If you are reading this, please learn from my painful mistake.

⚠️ Be cautious of online offers that seem too good to be true.
⚠️ Always verify identities directly with government offices.
⚠️ Never send money to unknown individuals, no matter how legitimate they seem.
⚠️ Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.

These scammers are experts at psychological manipulation. They know how to lure you in, build your trust, and make you feel safe—until it’s too late.

The Devil’s Trap: A Serious Warning to All Vulnerable Victims

Scammers don’t just steal your money—they steal your trust, dignity, and peace of mind.

💀 They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.
💀 They disguise themselves as professionals, officials, or kind strangers.
💀 They wait for the perfect moment to strike—when you least expect it.

🚨 DO NOT BE THEIR NEXT VICTIM. 🚨

To my fellow Filipinos—be smarter than I was. If you ever encounter individuals like Engr. Marvin Kobe Fernandez or Angelo U. Lu, expose them, report them, and protect others from falling into their trap.

To the authorities—the time to act is now.

Let’s stop these criminals before more lives are ruined.

📢 PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE TO PROTECT OTHERS! 📢

#ExposeScammers #JusticeForScamVictims #StopOnlineFraud #AuthoritiesPleaseAct #TheDevilsTrap

To the PNP Anti-Cyber Crime Group #AntiCybercrimegroup, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Government Authorities, and to the Public,

With a heavy heart and desperate hope, I am reaching out for your help and immediate action. I have fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme, losing a significant amount of money to individuals who prey on innocent people seeking legitimate assistance.

The scammer identified as Marvin Kobe Fernandez (Facebook User ID: marvin.kobe.fernandez.2024) approached me through a public group where I had asked for guidance on processing a business permit. Claiming to have high-level connections within the Manila City government, he introduced me to Angelo Uy Lu, whom he falsely represented as the City Treasurer of Manila.

Through deceit and manipulation, they convinced me to entrust them with my hard-earned money, only to vanish without fulfilling their promises. After further investigation, I discovered that other victims have been scammed by these individuals using the same methods. Their deceitful operations appear to be part of a larger criminal syndicate.

SCAMMER DETAILS:

📌 Facebook Name: Marvin Kobe Fernandez
📌 Facebook User ID: marvin.kobe.fernandez.2024
📌 Endorsed Accomplice: Angelo Uy Lu (alias “City Treasurer of Manila”)
📌 GCash Number Used: [Redacted]

I have all proof of transactions and communications to substantiate my claims. I am begging you—please help me! These criminals must be stopped before they victimize more innocent individuals.

I PLEAD FOR YOUR HELP:

🔴 To the NBI and Government Authorities: Please track down and arrest these scammers. I am willing to fully cooperate with an investigation.
🔴 To the Public: Please help spread this information so that no one else falls victim to their deceitful tactics. If you have also been scammed by these individuals, I urge you to come forward.

I am devastated and heartbroken, but I refuse to let them get away with this. I beg for justice—not only for myself but for all those who may have suffered at their hands.

📢 PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! HELP ME SEEK JUSTICE! 📢

#JusticeForScamVictims #StopScammers #NBIPleaseHelp #ExposeTheScammers

To the Honorable Members of the Senate and Congress of the Philippines, the Telecommunications Companies, and GCash Management,

I write this appeal with deep pain, frustration, and desperation after falling victim to a well-orchestrated scam that has caused me significant financial loss. I am not the first victim—nor will I be the last—unless urgent actions are taken to stop these criminals from exploiting innocent people through digital financial platforms and online deception.

THE SCAM INCIDENT:

I was recently scammed by individuals posing as well-connected government insiders offering assistance with my business permit processing. These individuals lured me in through Facebook, using fake identities and fraudulent claims, and eventually convinced me to transfer money through GCash—a platform that, while widely beneficial, has also become a tool for scammers due to its lack of stringent identity verification.

WHY ACTION MUST BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY:

📌 Scammers are operating freely on social media and digital platforms with no stringent monitoring, leaving thousands of innocent Filipinos vulnerable.
📌 GCash and telecom companies allow anonymous account creation without robust verification systems, making it easy for scammers to open accounts under false identities and repeatedly commit fraud.
📌 Many victims remain helpless, as scammers can easily block them after transactions, making it difficult to trace their identities and recover lost funds.
📌 The justice system struggles to keep up due to the lack of clear protocols and immediate response mechanisms for tracking and arresting online fraudsters.

MY HUMBLE PLEA FOR ACTION:

💠 To the Senate and Congress: Please enact stronger laws to regulate digital financial transactions, mandate stricter identity verification for mobile wallets, and impose harsher penalties on online scammers. We need laws that compel platforms like Facebook, GCash, and telecom companies to take responsibility and cooperate with law enforcement in tracking down scammers.

💠 To the Telecommunication Companies (Globe, Smart, DITO): Implement stricter SIM registration policies, prevent fraudulent GCash account creation, and ensure that all mobile transactions are linked to a verified identity. Stronger monitoring systems should be in place to detect scam-related activities and fraudulent accounts.

💠 To GCash (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.): Strengthen identity verification and fraud detection systems to prevent scammers from easily opening and using multiple accounts to defraud people. Immediate response teams should be deployed to freeze and investigate suspicious accounts upon receiving scam complaints. Victims should have a clear path to recovering lost funds.

This is not just my fight—this is a fight for every Filipino who is at risk of becoming the next victim. If no immediate measures are taken, countless others will continue to suffer financial and emotional devastation due to these online predators.

STOP THE SCAMMERS. PROTECT THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. ACT NOW!

I am willing to provide evidence, testimonies, and cooperate in any investigation to expose this rampant fraud and protect future victims.

📢 To everyone reading this, please share and support this call for justice! 📢

#StopOnlineScams #ProtectFilipinos #StrengthenAntiScamLaws #SenateActionNeeded #GCashAccountability