SMS or Text Scam by Sam Mendoza

Last Friday, I received 2 SMS or text messages from a Philippine mobile number 0906-4314621. Introducing herself as Sam, this 22-year old lady from Bacolod City asked for help, to be able to apply for a job in Manila. She seems to be desperate for help, as she is willing to offer anything, with a website (www.livealife.tk) to support her cry for assistance.

Upon checking the given website, I was surprised to see a nice looking young lady in a graduation photo, complete with a shortened resume, transcript of records, diploma, etc on the sidebar. On the left side is a longer version of her sad story, and readers will surely take pity on her experiences and current condition. It ends with a note as follows:

"I don't have any options but to offer myself... I'm decided... I better lose it for good purpose... Hindi ko alam kung kailan ako gigising isang umaga na may handa ng tumulong sa 'kin makapunta ng Maynila... I really need a new life..."

Now any man who receive such tempting "offer" from a nice looking lady might take the bait, if he allow his wild imagination to take over, since the message seems to target the adult male population. I bet that anyone who responds to her text message will get a reply asking for financial help through bank deposits or cellphone loads. Afterwards, they cannot contact the lady anymore, as she change her mobile number to pursue other gullible victims.

The creator of the text message and website seems adept on manipulating the emotions of the target audience. Diplomas and other school records can be produced in Recto Avenue or through computer applications. The stated history and conditions also makes sense and logical for the most part, except for the two major items below:

1. Is she really orphan without any relative or friends to help her? How did she able to survive all these years? Even if she's a DOST scholar, the scholarship alone cannot fully support all her basic needs in life.
2. She's a cum laude graduate and she can't find a decent job? Some companies recruit employees from the roster of top graduating students. DOST would surely hire her after graduation, to utilize her brains and recoup their investment for her scholarship.

Its a SCAM, plain and simple, anyway you look at it. It may have been going on for many years now under different names, mobile number, and websites. The main perpetrator could also be a male, and uses female accomplice if the would-be victim wants to talk with "Sam". I hope that NTC and NBI could catch these thieves soon.

The obvious victim on this modus operandi is the person in that graduation photo, as well as the other ladies whose pictures were "photonapped" from the web. I think their family should report it to the authorities to clear their name and assist in going after the perpetrators. 

This scam is an example on how technology can be abused to satisfy selfish motives. It pays to be careful all the time against the bad elements in our society.