The city government of Baguio is reminding the public to be extra careful when transacting online.
The Permits and Licensing Division (PLD) issued an advisory after receiving a complaint lodged through the Baguio City Public Information page of a woman in Cavite who lost P6,000 deposit supposedly for the purchase of a gadget from a resident in Baguio City.
In her complaint, the woman said she deposited an advance payment to the owner of Lunar Authorized Apple Store with an address at 230 Tam-awan Pinsao Proper, Baguio City.
However, the owner of the gadget store can no longer be contacted after the deposit has been made.
Upon verification by the PLD, the trade name, Lunar Authorized Apple Store selling cellphones has a fake business permit.
The team inspected the address in Pinsao Proper but there was no store found selling cellphones.
The inspection team coordinated with barangay officials of Pinsao Proper as well as the Baguio City Police Office Station 2 to locate the owner of the store.
The PLD report stated the owner applied for a barangay business clearance in March but the application was denied due to failure to present a lease contract from the building owner.
The PLD advised the public to verify the legitimacy of businesses first by reporting to them at telephone number 619-3184 or email [email protected].
Concerns on online estafa or scams may also be reported to the Police Regional Office Cordillera via FB Page: RCADD, Police Regional Office Cordillera or via SMS at 0919-160-1752 and 0917-847-5757.
City government authorities have also been warning those who intend to visit Baguio to be wary of accommodation establishments offering online booking and verify with the concerned city hall offi-ces first before closing a deal to make sure they will not fall victims of unscrupolous individuals. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
