QC cops warn vs new carjacking scam

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula warned the public yesterday of a new modus operandi employed by car theft syndicates.

The police uncovered the new scam after they received a fake carjacking report from Ernesto Villaflor, 65, who came to Camp Karingal on July 5 claiming that his black Toyota Altis with plate number ZHG-103 was stolen while parked in front of Sa May Kainan restaurant along West Avenue, Quezon City at around 9 p.m.

Investigators found Villaflor to be inconsistent with his story. They requested him to show pertinent documents for his vehicle. He promised to bring them the next day, but he did not return.

On July 17, Villaflor appeared at the QCPD with the documents of his alleged stolen car. During the investigation and verification of the documents, Villaflor, fearing perjury, told the real story behind the loss of his car.

Villaflor revealed that he was duped into using his account to purchase a car for Jonathan Chua, who was introduced to him by sales agent Joe Yorac.

He said that on Jan. 20, Yorac asked him if he has an existing car loan approval at RCBC because Chua – also known as Jonathan Mendoza – is willing to pay him P10,000 for the use of his account in purchasing a Toyota Altis through financing.

Villaflor accepted the offer. They proceeded to the Toyota Dagupan Branch and purchased the vehicle under Villaflor’s account. Under their agreement, Chua will pay for the monthly amortization of P16,000.

After two months, Villaflor received a call from RCBC informing him that he is delayed on his loan payments. He told Chua, who promised to settle the debt.

Villaflor said Chua never paid the two months’ amortization and has gone into hiding. He said he and Yorac tried to locate Chua but were unsuccessful.

This prompted them to report the vehicle as stolen in order to get insurance payments to cover the loss.

The QCPD has put the vehicle on its alarm list and is investigating the case.