Scammers pose as PBA players

In the past six weeks, this writer has been approached on social media by two online scammers pretending to be PBA players. In the first occurrence, someone pretending to be an All-Star and former Gilas Pilipinas guard sent a note through Facebook Messenger. He asked for financial assistance. When I noticed a different speech pattern in his messages, I confronted him. He blocked me. The second instance was eight days ago, when a new account appeared with a friend request, supposedly from a 2012 PBA draftee. This criminal even used photos of the player’s children on his profile. Upon checking, this person claimed to have started a new job just that day (a Sunday) and had very few people on his friends list. That second person also referred to me as “Boss,” and said his son had dengue. The real PBA player called me “Sir.” Before he could go any further, I told him that. He suddenly disappeared. When I read back the messages, it could even have been the same person.

Upon sharing the second incident on one of my social media accounts, I found out that it was quite common online. I won’t divulge the names of the players they pretend to be so as not to add to the problem, but there are at least three players whose identities have been used, along with photos from their real accounts. One of them is a controversial forward from Central Luzon. The deception is mostly done on Facebook Messenger and Instagram. At least two PBA coaches and one retired PBA center who is now a broadcaster have related similar experiences.

Even ordinary fans have been scammed. Many initially feel honored to have been approached for help by someone they admire. A few victims have revealed to The STAR that the scammers either asked for cash outright, or offered a fictional autographed jersey in exchange for the help. From what this writer has learned, the amounts were often small, and the jerseys never existed.

First of all, it would seem unlikely that someone you don’t know personally would ask you for help, more so a public figure. Secondly, PBA players can ask for help from the league, team management, or teammates and coaches. They have a wide network of resources. Third, they probably wouldn’t be asking for minuscule amounts like hundreds or a few thousand pesos. Offering signed jerseys for mere hundreds of pesos doesn’t sound right when you consider how much a game-worn jersey costs on its own. (The prices are kept small to reduce the likelihood of anyone filing a complaint. More work for the scammer, but less risk.) Also, they will likely refer you to a bank account in the name of another person (possibly their true identity), or ask for the money to be transferred electronically. No face to face meetings.

How do you fight back?

Confirm their identity. There are several ways to do this. The fastest and most effective way to do this is ask for a video call or voice call. The actual person wouldn’t mind since they’re asking you for a favor. Definitely, a scammer would demur, or suddenly cease all communication with you. Secondly, check their actual social media accounts and send those a message. If it is indeed that person, you should get a confirmatory reply. No need to hurry.

Try to get as many details as possible, so they end up contradicting themselves. They won’t be able to keep up the charade. Pretend you know where the real person lives, and ask for an address. For certain, they will give you a different one. Best of all, ignore the person completely, or report them to the authorities. You’re not a law enforcer.

Though it’s understandable that the pandemic has created financial strain for most people, that’s still no license to pose as someone else to steal other people’s money. There are honorable ways to earn a living, regardless of the circumstances.