Singer-songwriter Richard Poon amused Filipinos after sharing his experience with two different “scammers” on a messaging app, both using the same profile picture.
On August 8, the artist posted screenshots of messages he received on Viber from two individuals named “Heidi” and “Analyn.”
Both scammers sent the same message and used the exact same profile picture.
“Hello Po,” the accounts said with a smiling face emoji.
The similarity between them struck Richard.
“‘Yung magsa-scam ka sa Viber, pero nakalimutan mo magpalit ng profile pic,” he commented with a with a rolling-on-the-floor laughing emoji.
He added that the two messages arrived just one minute apart.
Richard’s post has garnered 51,000 laugh reactions, 1,500 shares and almost 700 comments, with some Filipinos sharing similar experiences.
“Very common sa Viber, lipana mga scammer. Lalo mga side line daw kuno, mag-li-like ng YouTube channel, hahaha,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Ginawa ko sa mga ‘yan, tinadtad ko ng emoji,” another wrote.
“Same lang sila ng mga intro eh,” a different Pinoy commented with a grinning-squinting face emoji.
“Tapos pare-parehas pa sila ng script,” another wroter with a tired face emoji.
While Richard did not reveal the full content of the messages, similar scams have been spreading widely on the platform.
Scammers often offer “jobs” that they claim can be done online or over the phone, such as reviewing or “liking” products and sending screenshots as proof.
Some Filipinos say the initial tasks seem legitimate—until they’re asked to deposit money to continue and earn more.
Last June, some users shared how they flipped the script by responding with fake job offers to confuse the scammers.
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The National Telecommunications Commission warned the public about job scams, urging vigilance, especially when companies have no online presence or when jobs do not require a resume or biodata.
Other red flags include businesses not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), links that may lead to phishing sites, and unfamiliar apps or phone numbers that could steal personal data.
“Be wary if you are not given a clear job description or if you receive a blurry document–that is a red flag. It is also a scam if you are promised immediate payment or a high salary but are asked to send money first,” NTC legal officer Ana Minelle Maningding previously said.
