Actors Reveal Real-Life Scams and Share Lessons Learned
Award-winning actors John Arcilla and Lotlot De Leon recently opened up about their personal encounters with scams. During a grand media conference for the upcoming ABS-CBN primetime series Sins of the Father, which premieres June 23, they shared how these deceitful schemes affected them deeply—both financially and emotionally. Their stories shed light on the harsh realities behind scams, urging everyone to stay vigilant.
John Arcilla recalled the infamous pyramiding scams of the 1990s, which cost his family millions. “Noong 90s remember nauso yung pyramiding scam? Millions ang nawala sa family namin at ang nang scam sa amin is yung student ko,” he shared. His own acting student, who was so close to his family, betrayed their trust by orchestrating the scam.
He explained, “Student ko siya sa acting so ang tawag niya sa parents ko ay nanay at tatay and sa mga siblings ko kuya at ate. Ganun siya ka close sa amin.” The student even used his acting skills to deceive not only Arcilla’s family but also their entire barangay and school community. “Pati classmates niya nabiktima niya,” John added.
The scammer’s downfall was dramatic. Victims pursued him, leading to a confrontation where he was tortured by some friends. He jumped three floors from a building, was hospitalized, and eventually escaped. “Ngayon ang last na balita namin sa kanya is nagpa-change na siya ng face. Kami ni Eula Valdez ang kasama roon before,” John revealed.
Lotlot De Leon’s Food Business Scam
Lotlot De Leon also shared her painful experience of being scammed through her food business. “Many years ago, I used to sell boneless bangus (milkfish). Then sumali ako sa food expo. May nag order sa akin P80,000 worth of bangus,” she recalled.
She accepted payment through a manager’s check, which her staff received. “Binayaran ako ng managers check. So tinanggap naman ng tao ko. Noong tinanggap ng tao ko, so pinik-up ng isang kilalang van. Hindi ko na babanggitin kung ano,” Lotlot shared. However, the check turned out to be fake. “Fake ang manager’s check. Pero yung account number at pangalan existing sa bank. Pero walang ganung check,” she explained.
Despite the loss, Lotlot chose not to pursue legal action. She emphasized the importance of caution, advising others to be careful to avoid similar scams.
Investment Fund Scams Hit Close to Home
Actress Francine Diaz added that while she has not personally been scammed, she knows friends who fell victim to investment fund frauds. “Hindi pa naman ako na-scam pero yung ibang kakilala ko na-scam din sa investment funds. Yung iba nanghiram pa ng pera para may maipasok lang sa investment fund na do-doble raw pero biglang mawawala yung mga may ari. Doon ako naaawa. Sila na nga yung nanaggailangan pero sila pa yung naloloko,” she lamented.
Sins of the Father: A Star-Studded Return
The series Sins of the Father marks Gerald Anderson’s television comeback. Alongside John Arcilla, Lotlot De Leon, and Francine Diaz, the cast includes JC De Vera, Jessy Mendiola, Shaina Magdayao, Joko Diaz, RK Bagatsing, Seth Fedelin, Soliman Cruz, Nico Antonio, Jerald Napoles, LA Santos, and Tirso Cruz III.
Directors FM Reyes and Bjoy Balagtas lead the production, bringing their expertise from acclaimed shows to this new drama.
Their shared experiences highlight the dangers of scams and the importance of vigilance. As these actors bring their stories to life on screen, their real-life lessons resonate with many.
For more news and updates on scam experiences, visit Filipinokami.com.