City permits and licensing office: Be wary of online swindlers

The city government of Baguio reminds the public yet again to be extra careful when dealing with business transactions online or through the internet including social media platforms.

The Permits and Licensing Division (PLD) of the City Mayor’s Office issued the advisory after receiving a complaint lodged through the Baguio City Public Information page of a woman in Cavite lost P6,000 cash deposit supposedly for the purchase of a gadget from a resident in Baguio City.

In her complaint, the woman claimed 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.

“Gusto ko lang po maibalik yung pera ko,” the woman pleaded in her message to the city.

Upon verification of the PLD, the trade name Lunar Authorized Apple Store selling cellphones, “does not have a business permit but rather a fake business permit.”

The team inspected the address in Pinsao Proper but there was no stall to be found retailing cell phones.

The PLD inspection team coordinated with the barangay officials of Pinsao Proper as well as the Baguio City police Office Station 2 to locate the owner of the gadget store.

“Accordingly, the owner applied for a Barangay Business Clearance sometime in March 2023 but it was denied for failure to present a lease contract from the building owner,” the PLD report stated.

In view of numerous complaints against online transactions that turn out to be dubious, the PLD advises the public to verify the legitimacy of businesses first by reporting to them at telephone number 619-3184 or email pldcmobaguiocity@gmail.com.

Concerns on online estafa or scamming may also be reported to the Police Regional Office Cordillera via FB Page: RCADD, Police Regional Office Cordillera or via SMS 09191601752 / 09178475757. – JMPS