Hundreds of tricycle drivers in Malasiqui, Pangasinan have sought the help of the police after they were accused of being involved in a money scam.
The drivers received subpoena from banks about their alleged involvement.
Authorities believe that those responsible for the scam used the drivers’ personal information to open accounts with the banks fraudulently online.
The drivers suspect that the information used might have been the information they shared during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022 in exchange for financial aid.
"Way back 2021 and 2022 pa ito nangyari, pandemic na panahon. Mayroong mga tao noon na nagpunta at ang ini-enganyo nila ay mga tricycle driver," PLTCOL Edgar Palaylay, chief of the Malasiqui Police Station, said.
Palaylay said the drivers provided a copy of their ID, had their photo taken, and were made to affix their signature electronically.
"Doon din kami nagpa-picture, hindi namin alam, inisa-isa na kami… may ibinibigay na sulat," Oscar Parlan, president of Downtown Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA) and one of the victims, said.
"Sana malinis lahat ng pangalan namin dito... baka mamaya bigla kaming damputin, wala kaming kaalam-alam na [may] utang [kami],” Parlan added.
Four victims are from regions as far as Cordillera and Mindanao.
"Wala naman kaming kinalaman dito, biktima lang kami talaga," Laddie Fernandez, another victim and tricycle driver, said.
With the help of the police, some drivers had their bank accounts closed to prevent misuse.
Part of the investigation is identifying the people behind the scam.
"Ipunin natin ulit ang mga biktima para sa next banking hour, siguro by Monday (August 5). Sasamahan natin [sila] sa mga bangko kung saan naka-open ang account nila, para matulungan sila na mai-close kung mayroong nag-open sa kanila[ng accounts]," Palaylay said.
Authorities advise the public to be cautious and not to share sensitive information to avoid identity theft. They also recommend vigilance in online transactions, monitoring financial statements, and protecting important documents.