Philippine SEC Investment Scam Watchlist: Public Advisories, Cease-and-Desist Orders, and Community Reports

ByNathaniel Cajuday
Photo for the Article - Philippine SEC Investment Scam Watchlist: Public Advisories, Cease-and-Desist Orders, and Community Reports

Tracking unauthorized investment schemes, Ponzi structures, and high-yield solicitation activities in the Philippines beginning in 2026.

Updated May 04, 2026.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This list tracks entities soliciting investments with promises of passive income, guaranteed returns, or referral-heavy rewards. The presence of an entity in the "Community Watchlist" indicates high-risk red flags but may not yet be subject to an official SEC Advisory.

Reported a suspected scame here.

Digitalization has brought new opportunities to the financial sector, but it has also opened doors for malicious actors to exploit investors.

This article serves as a living watchlist — a community-driven and regulator-informed effort to identify entities exhibiting high-risk behaviors. This guide aims to help the public spot red flags, track regulatory actions, and avoid financial harm.

Spotted by Regulators

In the Philippines, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is responsible for overseeing the corporate sector and regulating the securities market. Its primary functions include formulating policies, approving registrations, and safeguarding the investing public by enforcing securities laws.

The SEC regularly issues Public Advisories to warn the public about entities soliciting investments illegally or without proper licenses. While an advisory does not immediately shut down an operation, it alerts investors that the scheme is unsafe and potentially fraudulent.

If a company continues its illegal operations, the SEC escalates the matter by issuing a Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO). This is a legal directive that officially prohibits the entity from continuing its investment activities.

SEC Advisories and Cease-and-Desist Orders (2026)

Note: This list includes entities flagged for offering unregistered investment schemes relevant to the subjects covered by BitPinas (crypto, illegal investments, etc). This list is from the SEC website. Please direct all concerns to the SEC (contact info here), which maintains the list.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Public advisories are issued to serve as a warning to the public about individuals and entities that are not authorized to solicit investments from the public.The advisories do not immediately halt operations but alert investors that the scheme is unsafe and potentially fraudulent.

Investment Schemes

MAD   DEVPT.   REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | MAD DEVPT. REALTY CORPORATION | MADDEV | MADHOSTEL | MADSHOSTEL SIARGAO

VALTORO SPARTAN CONSULTANCY CORPORATION | VALTORO SPARTAN TRADING

VT MARKETSVT MARKETS (PTY) | VT MARKETS (PTY) LTD | VT MARKETS LTD

FBS | FBS PHILIPPINES | FBS MARKETS INC. | FBS BROKER | FBS TRADING BROKER | FBS FOREX BROKER ONLINE

  • Date of Advisory: January 08, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/fbs-fbs-philippines-fbs-markets-inc-fbs-broker-fbs-trading-broker-and-fbs-forex-broker-online/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Enticing the public to join, register, and engage in trading activities, including the buying and selling of unregistered securities.
    • Engaged in a public offering of securities. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer securities. Does not have any pending regulatory sandbox applications with the PhiliF Fintech Innovation Office and is neither previously nor currently enrolled in the strategic sandbox program.

AYALA INVESTMENTS AI | INEFEX

LSKBS | KBSEX | KBS Exchange | KBSEX Exchange | LS KBS Crypto Trading | LS Crypto Currency Humanitarian Org. Cebu | SDX Exchange

INTERACTIVE BROKERS | IBKR | INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP, INC.

  • Date of Advisory: January 22, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/interactive-brokers-ibkr-interactive-brokers-group-inc/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Promotes to PH users and allows users in the Philippines to create accounts, deposit funds, and trade various investment products, including derivative instruments, through electronic means. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer securities, which includes derivatives.

FIDELITY CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP | YEPBIT EXCHANGE PTY. LIMITED

  • Date of Advisory: January 26, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/advisory-against-fidelity-capital-investment-group/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Promises high-yield returns with a minimum investment of $500 up to a maximum investment of $3,000.
    • The passive income is received twice per day in exchange for the said investment.
    • Investors are required to actively recruit new investors to join the investment scheme; otherwise, they are not allowed to withdraw their passive income.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer securities.
  • TAGGED AS PONZI SCHEME.

BASICS AND ORGANIC CO. INCORPORATED

  • Date of Advisory: January 27, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/basics-and-organic-co-incorporated/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Collecting funds from the public to invest under its “Money Leasing/Dormant Partner Program” for a promise of receiving a fixed 20% interest per annum. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not authorized to solicit investments from the public, not having secured prior registration and/or a license to sell securities or solicit investments.

BG WEALTH SHARING LTD.

  • Date of Advisory: January 28, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/bg-wealth-sharing-ltd/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Entices the public by offering investments in the guise of copy trading of cryptocurrency that will earn a 1.3% interest rate daily, compounded with a minimum investment of $500. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer securities.
  • TAGGED AS PONZI SCHEME.

SHAWNSEI HOLDINGS CORPORATION, represented by Tony Rose S. Garcia

  • Date of Advisory: February 04, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/shawnsei-holdings-corporation/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Tony Rose S. entices the public to invest in SHAWNSEI HOLDINGS CORPORATION, offering a monthly profit ranging from 2 to 10%.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer investment contracts.

PARU-PARU KOSHIRO MACHI, through Facebook account, Madrigal Solar Farming

JRL KWARTA TRADING CO.

MTSN INTERNATIONAL OPC, LEX FRANCHISING OPC, and LEVEX INTERNATIONAL OPC, all represented by Alexander Gabayno San Carlos as its sole incorporator with Meriel “Jhun” Clores Serdan, Elmer Gabayno, and Verlan “Lanz” Moreno Enrile as his business partners; and Shirley “Shen” Nolledo as an agent and representative of LEX FRANCHISING, MTSN, and LEVEX

TAGALOGIX AI LTD (TAGALOGIX AI)

SEAGULL ALLIANCE, often associated with names such as “RISCOIN” or “LEAGUE OF SEAGULL”

BASICS AND ORGANIC CO. INCORPORATED, represented by Angelica Castillo Suarez and Jenny Rose Pascua

KITTLY CORPORATION (L&C GROUP OF COMPANIES)

  • Date of Advisory: February 18, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/kittly-corporation-lc-group-of-companies/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Entices the public to a pay model with a minimum investment of ₱50,000.00 and a maximum investment of ₱500,000.00, with a guaranteed interest per month of 5%. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered with the SEC and does not have the necessary license to offer investment contracts.
  • TAGGED AS PONZI SCHEME.

Unidentified individuals who are representing themselves as personnel of IGC SECURITIES INC., and are sending deceptive letters to the public through “WhatsApp” utilizing mobile number 09279248872

  • Date of Advisory: February 24, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/advisory-involving-igc-securities-inc/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Falsely claiming that recipients maintain investment portfolio with their company and must settle tax obligations before withdrawing the funds.
  • Reason for Advisory: The unidentified individuals are impersonating and using the name and logo of IGC SECURITIES INC., including the identity of its personnel, to give their operations the appearance of legitimacy to mislead the public.

BRIGH FUEL MARKETING | BRIGHT PATH GLOBAL

JFUNDS BUSINESS CENTER | Pastor Jonard Famor

  • Date of Advisory: March 05, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/advisory-against-jfunds-business-center/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Enticing Filipinos from Surigao City and province of Dinagat Island to invest money in the said entity for at least ₱5,000.00, with a promise return of 30% per month.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered to offer and sell securities in the form of investment contracts.
  • TAGGED AS PONZI SCHEME.

Unidentified individuals using the corporate name and logo of COHERCO SECURITIES, INC.

  • Date of Advisory: March 23, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/coherco-securities-inc/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): They falsely claim that recipients maintain investment portfolios or funds with the company and that such funds may be withdrawn upon payment of purported taxes, fees, or other charges.
  • Reason for Advisory: They are not authorized to practice such activities, which are considered illegal.

R/GA MARKETING LTD.

  • Date of Advisory: March 23, 2026 
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/r-ga-marketing-ltd-rga-for-brevity/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Illegally solicits investments from the public. It is not related to the legitimate RGA Visayas-based entity here in the Philippines or RGA companies situated in the United States and United Kingdom. Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered to offer and sell securities in the form of investment contracts.

Unauthorized use of the letterhead of ABACUS SECURITIES CORPORATION, as well as the name and signature one of its account officers

AMARI  LUXE AESTHETIC  AND  WELLNESS CLINIC (AMARI LUXE CLINIC) | CRF BEAUTY WITHIN SALON AND SPA (COSMOLASH)

AURA FINANCING CORPORATION | AURA FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS

ZILD TELECOMMUNICATION REPAIR  SERVICES and  its owner JOAN  DE  JESUS MANLAPIG

  • Date of Advisory: March 27, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/sec-advisory-against-zild-telecommunication-repair-services/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Enticing the public,  particularly OFWs, to invest money amounting to as much as Php 450,000.00, with a guaranteed return of 30% monthly within a short period of 30 to 45 days.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation or partnership and is operating without the necessary license or authority to solicit, accept, or take investments from the public, nor to issue investment contracts or any forms of securities.

ECOCAPSULE

  • Date of Advisory: April 07, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/ecocapsule/#gsc.tab=0
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Not connected to ECOCAPSULE, a European-based company.
    • The mini level has a special price beginning at ₱0.00 with a ₱1.50 hourly income or a total of ₱1,260.00 under a 35-day cycle. The maximum hourly income under this level amounts to ₱1,212.08 with a total of ₱174,643.02 under a 60-day cycle.
    • The large level starts at a ₱204.00 daily income, or ₱10,200.00 total income under a 50-day cycle. The maximum daily income under this level is ₱43,411.02, or a total income of ₱347,298.06 under an 80-day cycle
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation or partnership and is operating without  the necessary license or authority to solicit, accept, or take investments from the public, nor to issue investment contracts or any forms of securities.
  • TAGGED AS PONZI SCHEME.

HTX | HTX CRYPTOCURRENCY EXCHANGE | HTXEXCHANGE | HUOBI GLOBAL LIMITED | HUOBI GLOBAL S.A. | HUOBI GLOBAL | HUOBI

  • Date of Advisory: April 10, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/htx-htx-cryptocurrency-exchange-htx-exchange-huobi-global-limited-huobi-global-s-a-huobi-global-huobi-htx/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): HTX allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to open accounts, deposit funds (in fiat or digital assets), and trade various crypto assets and derivative instruments electronically. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

MAREXX GADGETS AND ACCESSORIES SHOP, represented by JEROLD ESCARTIN YU

  • Date of Advisory: April 14, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/sec-public-advisory-marexx-gadgets-and-accessories-shop/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): MAREXX primarily advertises assorted cellular phones and related items for sale; the same page also contains posts of activities openly soliciting short-term investments from the public.
    • Short-Term Investment (3 Months)
      • Minimum Investment: ₱20,000.00
      • Maximum Investment: ₱1,000,000.00
      • 1st month: 10% monthly
      • 2nd month: 15% monthly
      • 3rd month: 15% plus return of principal
    • Long-Term Investment (1 Year)
      • Minimum Investment: ₱200,000.00
      • Maximum Investment: ₱5,000,000.00
      • 1st to 11th month: 15% monthly
      • 12th month: 15% plus return of principal
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation or partnership and is operating  without the necessary license or authority to solicit, accept, or take investments from the public, nor to issue investment contracts

VEST TRADING PLATFORM | VEST EXCHANGE | VEST MARKET | VEST

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/vest-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based  investors, to open accounts, participate in funded trading programs, and engage in trading activities involving derivative instruments electronically. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

AEVO TRADING PLATFORM

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/aevo-trading-platform-aevo/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

GTRADE TRADING PLATFORM | GAINS TRADE | GTRADE

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/gtrade-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

PACIFICA TRADING PLATFORM

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/pacifica-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to open accounts or connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

DYDX TRADING PLATFORM | DYDX CHAIN | DYDX

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/dydx-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to open accounts or connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically. 
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

ORDERLY TRADING PLATFORM | ORDERLY NETWORK | ORDERLY

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/orderly-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

DERIV TRADING PLATFORM

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/deriv-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based  investors, to open accounts, deposit funds, or connect digital wallets and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

OSTIUM TRADING PLATFORM

  • Date of Advisory: April 16, 2026
  • Advisory Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2026/ostium-trading-platform/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Advisory): Allows users, including Philippine-based investors, to open accounts, connect digital wallets, and engage in trading activities involving crypto-assets and derivative instruments electronically.
  • Reason for Advisory: Is not registered as a corporation, partnership, or one-person corporation in the Philippines and does not have the necessary license and/or authority to offer, sell, or distribute securities to the public or to act as a broker or dealer in securities under Section 28 of the SRC.
    • Has not secured registration or obtained authorization from the Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).
Online Lending Platforms

These entities are not registered as entities for financing and lending and are flagged by the SEC for conducting unauthorized lending and financing activities, primarily through social media.

January 13, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • EM PRESS FINANCE AND LENDING COMPANY
  • Empress Finance Company
  • BMN Finance and Lending Corporation
  • BMN Investment Lending and Finance Corporation
  • 10BMN Lending and Finance GC

January 29, 2026 (Public Advisory)

February 23, 2026 (Public Advisory)

March 02, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • SALMON CREDITSALMON CREDIT CASH LOAN APP
  • MABILIS CREDIT
  • MABILIS CREDIT-QUICK CASH LOAN

March 06, 2026 (Public Advisory)

March 25, 2026 (Public Advisory)

March 26, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • Backoffice Associates Philippines 
  • “ATOME LOAN: ONLINE LENDING APP”

APRIL 10, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • MARY ANN TOQUIB ANDAYA 

APRIL 14, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • UNAUTHORIZED AND FRAUDULENT FACEBOOK PAGE IMPERSONATING H.K.K. LENDING COMPANY, INC.

APRIL 21, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE COMPANY NAME MICROPINNACLE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION BY UNREGISTERED ONLINE LENDING PLATFORMS.

APRIL 22, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • UNAUTHORIZED AND FRAUDULENT WEBSITE IMPERSONATING PROJECT DUO INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

APRIL 23, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE CORPORATE NAME OF CARMEN CREDIT 888 CORPORATION

APRIL 24, 2026 (Public Advisory)

  • UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE NAME OF PARAGON CREDIT ALLIANCE 604 CORPORATION

CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS

These are legal directives that require an individual or entity to stop an alleged illegal activity. Cease and desist orders are aimed at protecting the investing public and ensuring compliance with the law.

FIDELITY CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP | YEPBIT EXCHANGE PTY. LIMITED

  • Date of Cease-and-Desist Order: February 04, 2026 
  • Cease-and-Desist Order Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/issuance/fidelity-capital-investment-group-fcig-and-yepbit-exchange-pty-limited-yepbit/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Cease-and-Desist Order): Promises high-yield returns with a minimum investment of $500 up to a maximum investment of $3,000.
    • The passive income is received twice per day in exchange for the said investment.
    • Investors are required to actively recruit new investors to join the investment scheme; otherwise, they are not allowed to withdraw their passive income.
  • Reason for Cease-and-Desist Order: Violations of the Securities Regulation Code and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

“TRADEXPERT” ANGELITO HARINA

  • Date of Cease-and-Desist Order: February 06, 2026
  • Cease-and-Desist Order Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/issuance/tradexpert-and-angelito-harina/#gsc.tab=0 
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Cease-and-Desist Order): Offers investments to the public by providing daily income ranging from 1% to 1.5%, with maturities of 10 to 30 days, depending on the chosen plan.
    • Offers an opportunity for their investor to earn more rewards through their referral program, where members share their affiliate code, and for every successful invite, the member receives a one-time commission of 5%.
  • Reason for Cease-and-Desist Order: Ongoing violations of the Securities Regulation Code, and other rules and regulations being enforced by the Commission.

UMETA CREDIT LENDING CORP. Doing business under the name/s and style/s of More Pautang Lending, MetaPeso Lending, MoreJuan Lending and MetaCash Lending

MELOT’S  CATERING  SERVICES and MARY ROSE REALES CEPRINO

  • Date of Cease-and-Desist Order: March 25, 2026
  • Cease-and-Desist Order Link: https://www.sec.gov.ph/issuance/melots-catering-services-and-mary-rose-reales-ceprino/#gsc.tab=0  
  • Alleged Scheme (According to the Cease-and-Desist Order): Offers investment contracts   with a minimum investment of ₱50,000, with a guaranteed income of 10% monthly interest for a period of six to 12 months.
  • Reason for Cease-and-Desist Order: Despite the issuance of an SEC Advisory warning the  public to refrain from investing or to cease any investment with “MELOT’S CATERING SERVICES” through MARY ROSE REALES CEPRINO, the subject individual continuously  entices the public by promoting through Facebook.

How to Report an Unusual Scheme?

Step 1: Check for these red flags:

  • ✅ “Guaranteed” Returns: A too-good-to-be-true interest rate.
  • ✅ “Passive” Income: Earns even when asleep.
  • ✅ “Recruitment” Required: Inviting new members is required to

Step 2: Submit a community report to BitPinas here. (Note that this is optional. It is best to contact authorities (proceed to Step 3)).

Step 3: Report to the SEC hotline.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Or visit the SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department: 9/F, The SEC Headquarters, 7907 Makati Avenue, Salcedo Village, Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati City.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Scam?

Listen to our latest episode

Step 1: Stop All Deposits Immediately

  • Do not send any more money. Do not use another exchange they are asking you to use.
  • Do not try to “earn back” the losses by investing in another scheme.

Step 2: Gather and Preserve Evidence

  • Authorities need proof to build a case. Do not delete the apps or leave the group chats yet.
  • Gather the following immediately:
    • Screenshots
    • Transaction Hashes
    • Wallet Addresses
    • Profile Identities

Step 3: Report to SEC

Step 4: File a Complaint with the NBI or PNP

Step 5: Beware of ‘Recovery Scams’

  • After a scam collapses, victims are often targeted by a second wave of scammers known as “Recovery Experts.”

Worth Reading: What to Do If You Are a Victim of Crypto Scams Like LS KBS / AUX Exchange

This article is published on BitPinas: Philippine SEC Investment Scam Watchlist: Public Advisories, Cease-and-Desist Orders, and Community Reports

What else is happening in Crypto Philippines and beyond?

    Nathaniel studies at University of the Philippines and is Junior Editor at BitPinas.

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