THE Department of Education (DepEd) has warned public school teachers not to fall for a new scam called “Labas-Casa” targeting educators with “assumed balance” or “loan accommodations.”
“We remind our teaching and non-teaching personnel, and the public as well, to remain vigilant against financial scams,” DepEd said in a statement.
According to DepEd, the agency found that 29 cases have been filed against those behind the new racket that reportedly started in Pampanga province.
The scam involves promising a car loan to financially troubled teachers in exchange for a certain amount of cash, representing down payment.
Victims are also promised a passive income through involvement in a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) once the loan is approved.
“Unknown to the victims, the perpetrators have connections to some car dealerships and bank employees who will facilitate a pre-arranged loan approval,” DepEd said.
The victims are then abandoned once the mortgaged cars are turned over to them, leaving the teachers in bigger debt, the agency said.
DepEd said it would coordinate with the authorities to “apprehend the individuals behind this and further protect the welfare of teachers against such illegal activities.”
Victims were urged to call the DepEd Public Assistance and Action Center at 8636-1663 or 8633-1942 or send an email to depedactioncenter@deped.gov.ph.
