I got scammed and I got my money back (BPI)

I was looking for a flip basic phone when I stumbled upon this account in tiktok. They do not have a shop, it's just an account. So I messaged them and they told me to message a certain account in Facebook. I didnt think it was suspicious because I also buy a lot from pasabuy accounts without a shop, so I thought it was just one of those.

I messaged that person on facebook and they sent me pictures. And the transaction proceeded. I paid via BPI using QRPH, gave my delivery details and they sent me the details of the delivery rider (motor model, name of rider, phone number) and the ETA, without the tracking link. This was July 11, 7PM and supposed ETA was 8pm. I am usually vigilant but for some reason my brain was clouded during the transaction. T.T

So I still didn't realize it was a scam until it was past 8pm. (I was doing OT work so I forgot abt it) There was no call yet so I opened my messenger to ask for the tracking link and VIOLA! That person already deactivated his/her account. Only at this moment did I think to search them up and found out that many have been scammed by them.

So I quickly accepted it and realized my lack of diligence. I want find a way to report that person but there is no way that I'll go to the NBI or PNP and report cybercrime. (trust issues)

It was 11pm that same night when I thought of calling BPI and report the fraud. I gave the details of the situation and the transaction, they validated that it went through and told me that since I transferred it using QR code, it is considered valid. The lady told me that there is no assurance but I told her that I want to report nevertheless. I'm thinking that they could flag that account and let the counterparty bank know that the account is being used to scam people. I was able to extract bank details of the scammers from the QR code like the swift code, so I just searched it up to know the bank name (it was a rural bank in Romblon)

July 15, BPI emailed me a dispute form to fill out and asked me to attached an evidence (screenshot of the comms bet me and the scammer). I had let go of that money. (2.8KPHP)

Then on Sept 17, BPI called and told me to go to my bank branch to sign a quit claim. They didn't tell me directly that I will get my money back so I didn't think much of it and I didn't go to the bank until they followed me up on Oct 17 and 23.

So I finally went there and the lady told me that the money will be credited after notarizing the quit claim. 🙌

What I want people to know if you are unsure of the transaction

• do not transact via e-wallet (gcash, maya, gotyme, etc) so you have better chances of getting your money back just in case
• do not transact via QRCODE, ask for the bank account number, account name, and bank name
• report to your bank's fraud contact numbers
• ask for a video of what you are buying

I just want to share my experience to let people know that there is a chance of getting your money back in case you were scammed, but it is better ofc to do research first before transacting from sellers without a shop account.