New stock market scam targeting Pinoys, BI warns

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January 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday warned the public about a new stock market scam intended to defraud Filipinos. 

In a statement, the BI said it learned about the new scam from Filipinos who were trafficked abroad and repatriated to the country.

These trafficking victims, mostly in their 20s and 30s, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 yesterday from Cambodia.

The victims were reportedly instructed to entice fellow Filipinos to invest in stock trading platforms or pseudo investment accounts that appear legitimate, but are entirely controlled by criminal rings.

Victims who failed to meet daily quotas or resisted orders were allegedly subjected to torture, intimidation and deprivation to force compliance.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said these trafficking rings deliberately exploit the trust of Filipinos and prey on their financial aspirations.

“They are ruthless. They deceive Filipinos with promises of high-paying jobs and easy money, then subject them to abuse once they are trapped,” Viado said. “Let this serve as a warning: no legitimate employer will require you to scam your own countrymen or invest through unofficial platforms.”