The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued multiple advisories warning the public against unauthorized investment schemes involving De Guzman Consumer Goods Trading, an individual named Christabel Arroyo, and scammers misrepresenting themselves as affiliated with COL Financial Group Inc. and Alpha Securities Corp.
According to the SEC, De Guzman Consumer Goods Trading has been illegally soliciting investments through Facebook, promising returns of 60 percent to 200 percent within 60 days from supposed farming and trading ventures. The entity is not registered with the SEC and lacks the necessary license to solicit investments.
Meanwhile, Christabel Arroyo has been offering unregistered investment opportunities in bitcoin mining trading, enticing the public to invest a minimum of ₱5,000 in exchange for a promised return of ₱50,000 within 24 hours. The SEC confirmed she is not authorized to offer such investments.
The Commission also flagged reports of scammers impersonating representatives of COL Financial Group Inc., claiming victims’ previous scam losses were reinvested in the company. Victims were then asked to pay various “tax fees” to withdraw the supposed funds, which were never returned.
Additionally, the SEC warned against individuals using the name and logo of Alpha Securities Corp. without authorization. Victims were duped into sending money believing they were investing with the firm, despite having no legitimate accounts with the company.
The SEC advises the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any investment offers before engaging.
