The Filipino Community in Canton Geneva & Vaud have registered complaints against a local money remittance firm, which, they said, has defrauded overseas Filipino workers since it opened office in Geneva in 2009.
The firm reportedly entices Filipino workers through SMS by offering a higher money exchange rate for their remittances. However, the remittances were never made. The scam continues because many victims are undocumented Filipinos who are reluctant to file complaints with the authorities.
“Many of their clients are undocumented OFWs, and some are also their friends who chose not to make a complaint,” said Raymund-Michael Flores, founder the local Filipino community organization.
In a statement dated August 11, 2010 by “Erica” of Florissant, Geneva, she claimed that she sent 13,500 Swiss Francs last October 22, 2009 through the firm.
Erica said only P20,000 was forwarded to her account 3 months after she sent the money.
“I thought of cancelling my transaction (but) they keep on promising that it will be returned in no time,” said Erica. The group forwarded Erica’s letter to ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
The local Filipino community organization claimed that the frim has not only victimized Filipino workers in Switzerland, but also in the Philippines.