A message warning motorists about a so-called “chop-chop syndicate” allegedly involving policemen has been going around on Facebook (FB) and private messaging platforms. This is not true.
Authorities have already debunked the post that started circulating online as early as 2017.
Since Feb. 17, FB users have posted a text claiming that a man was allegedly almost scammed by police officers who wanted to sell his car’s spare parts and kidnap him for ransom. This modus was supposedly reported in the cities of Quezon, Pasig, Manila, and Taguig.
One of the posts read:
“From a friend..Please read. Be aware of this scam ..
Forwarding as received.
Sharing from another Viber group, (By a DLSU school mate)
This came from a good friend whose 30- yr old son almost became a victim of a scam yesterday. Please spread and be vigilant. “All, am sharing what happened to my son yesterday. My son was almost a victim of chop chop syndicate yesterday. He was stopped along public road going to white plains. A woman stepped in front of the car and pretended to have been hit. Good thing he stopped a few feet away as he was travelling (sic) slow. The Police came almost immediately and was telling him to get in their police vehicle while holding a gun. there were 3 policemen. He was already shouting in the street to get attention that it was a scam. Since there was no bump in the hood, they brought out a pipe to hit the car as proof she got hit. He only escaped because he threw 3000 pesos in 100 bills in the air and just sped away in the car while people were already watching. Police did not chase him. We called our PNP friend. My son was the 5th victim (almost). Our friend said areas reported were green meadows, valley verde, binondo, c5 near bgc. They would get the car as chop chop and probably take him for ransom. They are REAL policemen daw (allegedly)! Grabe (severe)!!! This happened at 3pm in broad daylight. Am spreading this as i think our first defense is public awareness. Pls spread but keep names out. This is real. Fyi.”
Both the Southern Police District (SPD) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) have issued statements saying there’s no truth to the claims. The text has also been circulating as early as 2017.
According to the QCPD’s investigation and verification, the claim is outdated and has no basis.
“The incident in question was reported in 2017, and there have been no recent or reported cases matching the described scenario in the mentioned areas, namely Green Meadows, Valle Verde, Binondo, and C5 near BGC,” a part of the QCPD’s Feb. 18 statement read.
In a Feb. 19 advisory, the SPD, which covers Pasay and Taguig cities, also confirmed that no reports from victims of similar incidents have been received by their stations.
“While this post may cause concern, there have been no reports of such incidents or victims who asked for assistance from any of the police stations in Southern Police District,” the SPD said.
The police also advised the public to verify information before sharing and only rely on official channels. Netizens were also reminded that spreading disinformation creates panic and has legal consequences.
Over the last months, VERA Files has flagged old hoaxes on crime incidents that resurfaced. (Read FALSE text on Davao City bomb threats circulates anew)
The Philippine National Police recently addressed various hoax bomb threats disseminated via email alarming government offices and schools in the country on Feb. 12.
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(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)