NCRPO warns public against text extortion scheme

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday warned the public of a text message allegedly from one of its officers threatening people with arrest which leads to extortion. 

 

NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Espina Valmoria said an unscrupulous person has been impersonating Police Superintendent Nicolas Salvador and sends intimidating text messages to potentials victim about enforcement of bench warrant.

 

Since February, the real Nicolas has already received five reported cases in which his name was being used for the extortion scam. 

 

The first report came from Rizal Provincial Police Office was based on a complaint of a woman who was allegedly threatened of arrest by a person who identified himself as Police Superintendent  Nicolas Salvador. 

 

On March 13, a similar case was reported by Police Superintendent Abrahano from Dagupan City Police Office while the third case was coordinated on March 17 by Superintendent  De Jesus from the office of the Senior Police Assistant to Secretary Interior and Local Government. 

 

On March 24, the fourth case was relayed by NBI Special Investigator Edwin Roxas and the fifth case was received on March 28 by the Office of Regional Logistic Division of NCRPO.

 

In the two recent cases, the sources of reports were able to forward the following contents of text message being used by the impersonator:

 

"NCRPO Warrant and Subpoena Section Advisory: (Name & address of victim withheld) expect our official commo to notify you (Bench Warrant) at exactly 12pm tomorrow together with sheriff to issue writ of preliminary attachment to check your property. Pls be informed for your voluntary surrender to avoid commotion at your place. PSupt Nicolas Salvador (OIC Regional Operation) telephone number 02-2610637/09273536813)."

 

Valmoria said the NCRPO does not have a Warrant and Subpoena Section similar to a police station and Salvador who is a regional staff officer does not have the mandate to enforce bench warrant. 

 

He advised potential victims not to believe in the text message as the name of Salvador is merely being used for this kind of extortion scheme.

 

The NCRPO is now looking into the cases to apprehend the responsible person behind scam.