All That Glitters is Not Gold

Image courtesy of www.tokomutiara77.blogspot.com

Last December 2009, fifteen days before Christmas, my credit card was stolen from my wallet without my knowledge at a party. I only noticed that it was missing the following evening. When I called the customer service hotline, I could not believe that the thief was able to charge transactions amounting to more than 400,000 Php in a matter of eight hours (11 am to 8 pm). His purchases included several bags from Louis Vuitton, MacBook from the Apple Store, appliances from SM Department Store and many more. I  requested my lawyer to write letters to the bank disputing these transactions because I did not even receive a notice in spite of the irregular transactions. I only got the bank's attention seven months later when I arrived home from Europe. The bank officials had a meeting with me and we were able to resolve the issue.

I was a victim of credit card fraud and I detest credit card scam artists. They should all be arrested and put behind bars for the rest of their lives. I am sure you will understand my position after what I have experienced. I take it very personally!

The funny thing is every time I share this story with friends, they would always say maybe the infamous BOY was present at the party (of course he wasn't). I thought people are all aware of the Cathay Pacific Airways case filed against this BOY for making fraudulent on-line ticket purchases using stolen credit cards. Apparently everyone knows this except for the PR firm of a jewelry company who plans to sign him up for an advertorial. I am not sure about the details but I was scandalized when I heard the news. A PR firm should protect the image of the client's brand and not destroy it. In the jewelry company's official website, there is a pledge to act responsibly. To this PR firm, I suggest you abide by this pledge. Please do your research!

Sometimes, I feel that Filipinos are just so forgiving. Please, let us not tolerate these scam artists. I think the only reason why he has never been arrested is because he has a relative in the military who shares the same last name. Yes, the BOY is trying very hard to project a glittering image, but keep this in mind, "All that glitters is not gold!"

Please email your stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. I will be waiting.