A couple in Iloilo City reportedly fell victim to an illegal recruiter who promised work in Canada.

Alias “Toto” and his girlfriend said they lost P180,000 to the scammer.

"Toto" said he resorted to borrowing money to get the job. 

When he learned he was swindled, "Toto" was not able to hold back his tears.

It was in October 2023 when a certain “Inday” offered to process documents on behalf of the couple for employment in Canada.

"Toto" said they were promised of January 2024 as their departure schedule.

Toto’s mother named “Ting” said she was able to talk to the suspect. She said she could not believe "Inday" is a scammer as she knew her and that the suspect "seems to be nice."

Toto’s family began to suspect “Inday” when the January 2024 flight schedule was bumped off. Inday reasoned out that the trip was stalled because of the need for P100,000 to cover the cost of the plane ticket.

"Toto" began learning of other people’s predicament as soon as they started trusting Inday.

Other victims are reportedly from Bicol Region, and the cities of Bacolod and Zamboanga.

At first, "Toto" said, the suspect vowed to return the money. However, months rolled by but not a peso was returned by the suspect. As of posting time, the suspect has not accepted nor returned any of Toto’s calls.

The couple is determined to seek help from the National Bureau of Investigation. According to NBI 6, cases for estafa and illegal recruitment in relation to cybercrime may be filed against “Inday.”

NBI 6 reiterated that in order to avoid falling victims to illegal recruitment, the public should always check the legitimacy of the recruiter before engaging, and to seek legal advice immediately if the recruitment agency carries out suspicious activities.

The news team reached out to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for a statement, but POEA is yet to grant an interview.

The news team also tried to get the side of the alleged scammer who is reportedly out of the country, as of posting time.