ABS-CBN Series Highlights Growing Threat of Online Scams Amid Season 2 Finale

The popular ABS-CBN crime action-drama "Sins of the Father," which concludes its second season tonight, has spotlighted the pervasive issue of online scams through its storytelling and the personal experiences of its cast. During a recent press conference, actors and creators shared how these fraudulent activities affect not only the public but also their own circles.

RK Bagatsing revealed that he once invested in a fraudulent scheme, which eventually collapsed. He explained, "The investment company eventually closed, but I later heard that some people used my name and check to recruit others. Thankfully, it didn't cause me any major issues, but I did report it to the authorities."

Shaina Magdayao, while fortunate not to have been directly scammed, recounted a friend losing money after clicking a suspicious link said to be from a bank. She expressed gratitude for the show’s role in highlighting such dangers, saying, "Even if you haven’t been scammed yourself, chances are you know someone affected by similar frauds. This series is crucial in educating viewers."

Seth Fedelin recounted falling victim to a card skimming incident: "My mother used my card at a gas station, and days later, I noticed unrecognized charges linked to a plane ticket. Thankfully, the bank trusted my report and helped resolve it."

Francine Diaz shared stories of acquaintances who lost money in fraudulent investment schemes, some even resorting to borrowing or pawning valuables to invest. JC de Vera, a frequent credit card user, disclosed losing a six-digit sum after his card was fraudulently used overseas. He explained, "I received alerts about attempted withdrawals from Mexico and Cuba. I called the bank immediately, but the initial charges couldn’t be disputed because I didn’t respond to the bank’s text prompts in time."

Highlighting the growing threat of artificial intelligence in scams, Jessy Mendiola recounted how an AI-generated deepfake video of her was used without consent to promote an online gambling site. She warned, "AI deepfakes are terrifying. They can manipulate our likeness to say things we never said. It’s misleading and harmful, especially for celebrities trying to do honest work."

Lead actor and one of the directors, Gerald Anderson, shared similar concerns about credit card fraud and impersonation scams targeting fans. "Someone even pretended to be my parents to ask my fans for money," he disclosed. "Smaller victims losing a few thousand pesos are just as affected. The most prevalent scam now is the "love scam," where victims are deceived by fake online relationships built using AI-generated images."

Anderson emphasized personal responsibility alongside public awareness, stating, "We must all be diligent, research thoroughly, and avoid rushing into decisions. This show aims to advance that message."

Director FM Reyes added, "Our goal is to present various perspectives on corruption and scams—from victims to perpetrators—and to give a voice to those who often go unheard."

"Sins of the Father" is produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, led by business unit head Julie Anne R. Benitez, executive producers Maya Aralar and Marissa Kalaw, creative head Dindo Perez, and head writer Cenon Palomares. The series finale will air tonight at 9:30 p.m. across multiple platforms including Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, iWant, and TFC.