What haffen Cebu, why another fraudulent BPO company?
On the 18th of May 2025, yet another business process outsourcing (BPO) company was brought to light as a scammer. According to the YouTube vlogger @mrwn’s description in his video, “I exposed and confronted a group of scammers in the Philippines that run a fake investment website while watching them on their CCTV.” The vlogger shared that the company is currently operating at the 2nd floor of a Skyrise Building in IT Park, Lahug Cebu, Philippines.
Proof of the Scam, Captured on Video
YouTube vlogger @mrwn managed to obtain a call recording involving an agent from a known fraudulent company. In the recording, the agent is heard speaking with a certain Mr. Nyembe, attempting to persuade him to proceed with a registration for “Quantum Ai”—allegedly to help him secure a source of secondary income.
While the call opened with a standard BPO-style spiel, several red flags quickly emerged. These included audible background music, the lack of any security verification process, and the agent’s use of manipulative tactics, such as guilt-tripping the client by comparing their busy schedules as she also claimed that she was just as busy.
Perhaps most concerning was the moment the agent began singing along to the song “Smack That” playing in the background while waiting for the client to respond; a clear indicator of poor training and lack of professionalism.
This recording further shows the need for vigilance when approached by unsolicited calls promising financial opportunities.
How Will I Know If My Company Is A Scammer?
Tons of BPO companies are rising every month in Cebu. Just the start of 2025, a known publishing company was also caught as several reports were gathered by the international police department for their fraudulent publication promises. So, to keep yourself aware, here’s how to identify if you might unknowingly be working for (or applying to) a scam BPO company:
During Hiring
- Unsolicited job offers from random messages or vague FB posts
- Too-good-to-be-true pay for a basic or entry-level job
- No interview or rushed hiring process (“You’re hired! Start tomorrow!”)
- They ask for money; for training, background checks, or equipment
- No company website or a shady-looking one
- No valid business registration, permits, or even a proper HR contact
On the Job
- You’re trained to lie or mislead clients
- The product or service feels suspicious or hard to explain
- You’re encouraged to pressure clients or emotionally manipulate them
- You’re given scripts for financial services that require no compliance or legal disclosures
- All payments are via Bitcoin or crypto only
- Your calls are unrecorded or there’s no QA department
- No proper payslips or contracts
- You’re in a “sales” job but don’t know what you’re selling
What to Do If You’re Actually Working for One
First of all, KALMA! Fraudulent companies thrive on keeping employees clueless or scared to speak up. One of the immediate ways to avoid having to associate yourself with the company is to resign from your position. Of course, if you want to help other people from being involved with them, then you can start gathering evidence and finding other employees whom you can discuss with on the matter. But, do it with utmost care especially if you signed a contract stating that you’re not permitted to disclose company procedures. You are likely not alone in your predicament, so, it’s best to have all necessary information and proof prior to deciding on reaching out to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) so you will be able to supply evidence on your claims.
In addition, you can also add an honest review on Glassdoor, Indeed, and Facebook groups to share your experience responsibly and help others steer clear.
Will Employees of Fraudulent Companies Face Jail Time?
Yes, but, only if proven that the employees knew about the scam. Being just an “employee” is not a guaranteed legal escape from an employer’s wrongdoing. If the employee was unaware and not knowingly doing anything illegal other than following normal work procedures, then that employee may likely be safe. However, if the employee was directly involved in the fraud, such as tricking clients, faking identities, or knowingly lying, then legal consequences may be at hand when proven. It is also important to note that an employer cannot legally fire an employee for refusing to do something illegal, because if they do, then the company may have grounds for a labor case or whistleblower protection.
“Easy Money” Comes at a Price
Cebu is known as the BPO capital of the South, and thousands of honest workers make a living here. But every time a scam company sets up shop, it damages the reputation of the entire industry.
As an employee, it’s important to know the difference between a job that’s challenging, and a job that’s criminal. So, if your gut says something’s wrong, trust it. But, if your boss tells you to “Smack That” mid-call… RUN!
