MANILA — Some victims have come forward to expose the alleged fraud of online seller Marwin James Yamat, who was allegedly involved in the sale of expensive designer bags such as Hermes Birkin. One of the complainants, Bernadette, recounted that she bought a Birkin 25 bag worth ₱999,000 for personal use.

Bernadette said it was the second time she had made a transaction after buying it at her physical store in Quezon City. In the second transaction, he and the seller agreed to sell his old bags in exchange for the item of interest. But after making a down payment to Yamat's brother's account, the bag was never delivered. "Even if you don't pay me, the important thing is, I'll just go to jail," Bernadette said emphatically.

The investigation revealed that Yamat allegedly used photos and names of well-known personalities such as Heart Evangelista on his social media page to make the business look legitimate. On the seller's own account "Marwin James Consignment," it can be seen that there is even a message to Evangelista thanking him for a gift bag.

Another complainant, Marites, said their relationship began when Yamat became a supplier to him of glutathione. Later, he became the financier of Yamat's bag transactions, which had a system whereby he would buy bags abroad and take them to the Philippines for sale. Despite the agreement, the total amount of unreturned money amounted to ₱13 million. "I've got to do this because I'm going to have to pay the bills... "I think I may have helped you enough to pay for what you helped me in the past," Marites insisted.

According to Atty. Renoir Baldovino of the NBI Central Luzon, the complaint is covered by the estafa case because the identity of the suspect is clear. He urged other potential victims to come to their office in San Fernando, Pampanga to file a formal account. "There are a lot of transactions that need to be carefully scrutinized, especially if we are going to relinquish money," the lawyer warned.

The NBI also reminded the public to be cautious of high-value transactions, especially online, and to ensure legitimacy before making payments or providing personal information. The complainants continue to call for Yamat to be held accountable to prevent further victims.

Photo by Raffy Tulfo in Action