THE Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil on Sunday reminded the public anew to be wary of rising cases of ‘technical carnapping’ in which glib-tongued criminals steal the motor vehicles of their targets without using guns or other weapons.

The scheme has evolved from traditional carjacking and car theft methods or cases of stolen at gunpoint or thru force and intimidation or stolen while parked. This development highlights the gradual shift in criminal tactics, particularly in fraudulent motor vehicle transactions, said PNP-HPG director, Brigadier Gen. Eleazar P. Matta.

In traditional carnapping, vehicles were stolen either Stolen While Parked Unattended or Forcibly Taken or FT.

However, ‘technical carnapping’ which started in the late 90s introduced a range of deceptive schemes, including the “Rent-Tangay,” “Benta-Sangla,” “Assume Balance,” “Pasalo-Benta-Bawi,” “Loan Accommodator,” and “Labas Casa” schemes.

These methods involve taking vehicles under the pretense of legitimate agreements, but ultimately, the vehicles are sold or disposed of for profit, causing significant damage and loss to victims.

To protect the public, the PNP-HPG has launched an infomercial video, educating citizens on how to avoid falling victim to these schemes. The PNP also encourages individuals to be vigilant and report any suspicious transactions immediately to the PNP-HPG Hotline at 0998-598-8171 or 0906-374-5375, or visit the nearest HPG office.

Gen. Marbil, a former PNP-HPG director, called on the public to fully support the ongoing HPG campaign.

“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent the spread of technical carnapping schemes. Together, we can achieve safer streets for all,” the top cop said.

The PNP’s efforts align with the governance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the vision of “Bagong Pilipinas,” where modern law enforcement practices contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all Filipinos, he said.

The PNP continues to adapt its strategies and technologies to combat emerging threats, ensuring a proactive approach to crime prevention, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño.

Brig. Gen. Matta underscored the need for all Filipinos to be wary of modern carnapping trends wherein glib-tongue syndicate members easily run away with the motor vehicles of their targets.

The official said that unlike before where car thieves steal unattended motor vehicles or forcibly take them thru gunpoint, today’s car theft syndicates are now involved in the so-called ‘Rent-Tangay, Assume Balance Scam or the Pasala-Benta scheme, the Pasalo-Benta-Bawi, Labas Casa Through Loan Accommodation (a.k.a. Labas-Casa-Talon), and Labas-Casa-Talon Using Fictitious Name/s.

Described by the PNP-HPG as “technical carnapping,” these modern car theft schemes have victimized hundreds, if not thousands of people over the years. This year alone, PNP-HPG agents have already recovered dozens of motor vehicles which were stolen thru those schemes.

Under the Rent-Tangay (a.k.a Rent-Tangay-Sangla), the car thief poses as a client of a car rental business. Once in possession of the rented motor vehicle, the suspect will pawn or sell the vehicle to other persons using fraudulent Land Transportation Office (LTO) documents.

Under the Assume-Balance Scam (a.k.a. Pasalo-Benta), the car thief will pose as a buyer of an encumbered vehicle, promising that he/she will continue paying for the monthly amortizations. Once the suspect acquires the vehicle, it will be sold to others without the registered owner’s knowledge..

On the other hand, the ‘Pasalo-Benta-Bawi’ scheme involves a suspect who secretly installs a Global Positioning Satellite or GPS in his/her vehicle which will be deliberately sold to casino habitues.

The suspect will then report to the police that he/she is a victim of an Assume-Balance scam and file a case. Using the GPS, the con artist will be able to track the vehicle and recover it from the unsuspecting buyer.

The ‘Labas-Casa-Talon’ scheme involves a syndicate whose members convince a potential victim who can pass credit investigations to have his/her name used for a car loan application.

The victim is then given advanced payment depending on the type of the vehicle being sought. Once the vehicle is released, the suspect will tell the victim it will be rented out to hotels and companies. After some weeks, the vehicle will disappear, sold in the countryside with the use of fake registration papers.

The ‘Labas-Casa-Talon Using Fictitious Name scheme involves members of a syndicate recruiting company insiders in order to secure a car loan. Once the vehicle is released, the suspects who have been using fake documents in all their transactions will silently disappear with the vehicle to the chagrin of their victims.

Brig. Gen. Matta said the public must be fully aware of these modus operandi and should immediately contact their office in case they come across such scam.

Both Gen. Marbil and Brig. Gen. Matta said the PNP-HPG really needs all the help they need from the public and other law enforcement agencies and government regulators to stop the ‘Rent-Sangla/Rent-Tangay’ scheme and other forms of ‘technical carnapping.’

In the past, some rogue police and LTO personnel have been monitored and investigated for conniving with groups involved in the ‘Rent-Sangla, Rent-Tangay’ scheme.

The suspects are known for facilitating the transfer of stolen vehicle to another owner thru the use of spurious LTO registration papers. A few years ago, , some 60 ‘Rent-Tangay’ victims sought the help of the Department of Justice in investigating their cases.

The PNP-HPG had also previously warned the public to be wary of a car theft ring whose members are using the online FB Market Site to sell ‘total wreck vehicles’ which actually are stolen SUVs, cars or motorcycles.

Since the start of the year, dozens of motor vehicles stolen thru such schemes have been recovered by the PNP-HPG in separate anti-carnapping operations nationwide.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon