ACG agents bag IT expert for identity theft of ‘TikToker’
A 27-YEAR-OLD computer programmer accused of stealing the identity of a famous “TikToker” and using it allegedly to commit fraud is now in jail after being arrested by agents of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
The suspect, described as an assistant instructor in a prominent computer school in the country, was placed under arrest after he claimed the money sent by the victim in a money remittance center in Pandi, Bulacan, around 6:30 p.m. last Saturday, said a report to PNP-ACG Director Brigadier General Joel B. Doria.
According to Lt. Michael Bernardo, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Quezon City Anti-Cybercrime Team (QCDACT), they found out the suspect stole the victim’s identity by creating an account on Facebook (FB) containing all the photos and videos of the TikToker influencer.
The fake FB account allegedly offering “sexual services” online as a “prostitute” or “walker” was created by the former, he added.
The official said that shortly after she discovered that her identity was stolen and used for fraudulent activities, the victim sought their assistance last October 12.
Three days later, the victim again informed their office that the suspect replied to the “dummy account” she created for the purpose of availing of the sexual services being offered by the suspect.
Following the information, the QCDACT personnel launched the entrapment operation.
“After the suspect claimed the money from the remittance center, we immediately effected the arrest,” Bernardo said, even as he encouraged others who may have been victimized by the suspect using the “fake” account of the victim to file complaints against him formally.
The suspect is facing criminal charges for violation of computer-related identity theft under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. He is being held at the Q.C. custodial facility in Camp Karingal.
