Be vigilant against investment scam, says SEC Butuan
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Butuan calls for vigilance against investment scams.
“There are groups and individuals in the Caraga region who are actively soliciting investments without the necessary license or registration from the SEC,” disclosed Attorney Jason C. Tan, director of SEC Butuan.
During the Kapihan sa PIA on Oct. 21, SEC Butuan issued a strong warning against various investment scams circulating in the region to safeguard the hard-earned money of the Caraganons.
“For the month of October, SEC Butuan has issued an advisory against Christabel Arroyo who offers investment, promising to increase the amount of P5,000 to P50,000,” Attorney Tan said. “De Guzman Consumer Goods Trading also offered 60 to 200 percent investment return.”
These individuals or entities invited investors for their unregistered business. He cautioned the public by emphasizing the importance of vigilance. “If the returns of the offer that they promised seem too good to be true, then probably it is a scam.”
The director also shared other forms of scams in the region “There are entities that often disguise their schemes by promoting products such as beauty items. However, the real source of their income is not from product sales, but from aggressively recruiting new members.”
He added that the SEC is mandated to regulate and monitor investment activities in the country.
If a company, partnership or organization is registered with the SEC, it means it has been checked, verified, and approved by the commission to operate legally and transparently.
SEC registration ensures their legitimacy and that they abide by the laws and regulations in operating a business thus, their money is protected.
He urged everyone to verify first and be vigilant before investing, and to report any suspicious activities to the SEC Butuan Extension Office.
He added, “To check and verify if the company is SEC registered and has a secondary license, they need to access the website at sec.gov.ph or download the SEC Check App in Apple Store or Google Play Store.”
“To report on potential investment scam, anyone can reach the SEC through our official email at secbutuan@sec.gov.ph; call us at 0917-186-4612; or message directly our official Facebook community page – SEC Butuan,” he emphasized.
SEC Butuan will continue to advocate for financial literacy to protect the public and to build a safe and trustworthy investment environment for all Caraganons. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
