NEGROS OCC., February 28 (PIA6) —The Employees’ Compensation Commission is warning the public in the Negros Island Region to be aware of poseurs extorting money from unsuspecting victims in exchange for a promise to receive benefit from the commission.
ECC recently received reports that there are individuals there using the name of the ECC to execute their fraudulent scheme, Regional Extension Unit Director Stephene S. Barredo said.
According to Barredo, a certain May Bernadette Cortez from Badoc, Ilocos Norte sends potential victims letters with one Arnold B. Magtalong, supposed ECC Board Secretary, as signatory.
The letters say that the target victims passed the interview with the Chairman of the International Board of Directors of the ECC, Atty. Arnold Ford, held in Rio Grande Hotel in San Fernando, La Union on 24 January 2017.
The victims are also informed that they are entitled to benefits which they can avail of after attending seminars, meetings and conventions.
For a fee, Cortez then reportedly asks potential victims to authorize her to represent them in these meetings.
“Beneficiaries are not required to attend ECP seminars just to receive benefits. As long as there is an employer-employee relationship and the sickness, injury or death is work-related, the employee shall receive EC benefits,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.
Banawis added that the names Arnold B. Magtalong and Atty. Arnold Ford, and the others floated by the supposed scammers such as Leni Del Rosario, Luisa Bostamante, Cecilia B. Tabanda, Luiz B. Arcangel, Rowel B. Lorenzo, Eduardo M. Salazar, and Yolanda D. Escobar, and Ederlina P. Luz are not in the official roster of the ECC.
“Let us all be wary when transacting with people. It is better to be careful than be sorry later on. Please verify the names in our website and it is better to call our offices. You can also contact us through our FB Page,” Banawis said.