Key Points
- Renato Calalang was notified via email by a bank representative named Steve Golds, that he is entitled to receive a substantial inheritance amounting to €3.8 million.
- The so-called insurance was left to Calalang by a 'departed cousin,' who had the same last name.
- As therapy, Calalang is trying to keep his mind off the unfortunate incident by working and playing badminton.
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Inheritance scam victim: 'Kahit na alam kong mali, hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko sa pagpapadala ng pera'
SBS Filipino
26/03/202409:12
Now more than ever, Australians are vulnerable to scams.
For 60-year old Melburnian Renato Calalang, it was heartbreaking to know that he is part of the statistic.
Losing his lifetime savings of $150,000 across 17 transactions, Calalang was made to believe that he is entitled to receive a sizeable inheritance from a departed cousin.
In an email sent by so-called bank representative named “Steve Golds,” Calalang felt it was legitimate letter.
It was a bit convincing because it was properly worded and very professional.Renato Calalang, scam victim
“I was told that all I have to do was open bank account in the Philippines so that they can deploy the €3.8 million inheritance,” according to Calalang.
Red flags: Setting up a bank account and transfer of funds
However, red flags started to surface when Calalang was asked to set up a Philippine account. Upon doing so, he was made to believe that upon transferring $1,700 AUD via the newly opened account, the inheritance will be released.
“Steve Golds was very reassuring. Every time he would ask for more money, he would tell me that he will go to Australia to personally facilitate the transfer of the funds into my account.
I felt like I was hypnotised. I knew that I had to stop but I kept on sending.Renato Calalang, scam victim
It took a total of 17 transactions for Calalang’s bank account to be wiped out. This led him to report the incident to his bank in Australia where he was a long-time client for four decades.
Sadly, after two months of investigation, it was confirmed that he was scammed.
Lessons learned the hard way
In retrospect, Calalang said that he regrets not confirming with his relatives in the Philippines if a cousin had indeed passed on.
He shared that he let his guard down and allowed himself to fall into a trap. If at all, he could have cut his losses.
Scamwatch: Ways to spot and avoid scams
- It’s an amazing opportunity to make or save money
- Someone you haven’t met needs your help - and money
- The message contains links or attachments
- You feel pressured to act quickly
- They ask you to pay in an unusual or specific way
- They ask you to set up new accounts or Pay ID
In case you have been scammed, Scamwatch advises to:
· Stop sending money – contact your bank and ask them to stop the transactions.
· Try to recover the money by asking for help – you can call IDCARE, Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. Contact details are 1800 595 160.
You can also file a complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), in case you are unsatisfied with how your bank has responded to you.
· File a report – you can report to the police and Scamwatch. This is an effective way to warn people about it.
· Be on the lookout for follow-up scams – be vigilant about someone offering to help you recover your money.
· Get support – do hesitate to talk to a financial counsellor. You may also contact on 1300 22 4636 or on 13 11 14.
In addition to Scamwatch, the newly established National Anti-Scam Centre dishes out information based from scam reports and works in partnership with the public and private sector, law enforcement in order to hamper and avert scams.
