Former Survivor castaway ‘scammed’ by One Dream

Former "Survivor" castaway Zita Ortiga was among the victims of One Dream Global Marketing Inc., a firm that allegedly scammed P3-billion from investors within its three months of operation in Lipa City.

According to an interview on GMA's "24 Oras", Ortigas was lured by One Dream offshoot Freedom Life Advanced Global (FLAG) Prosperity Marketing Inc. after earning P6,000 in two days with an initial investment of P15,000.

She increased her investment to P45,000 and even encouraged two of her friends to invest in the company.

"Ang ganda nung explanation nila kaya na-enganyo po ako," Ortigas recalled.

She said she convinced two friends to invest, but they never experienced any payout.

"Nag-invest din ako. Pinakita ko sa kanila yung mga resibo ko na ako din man biktima," Ortigas said.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, FLAG's products and incorporators were not authorized and that two of its incorporators were similar to that of One Dream.

SEC Director Jose Aquino advised investors to file the necessary complaints with the commission to file formal charges against the companies and to be wary of deals ensuring high returns.

"We will file the necessary case against them. But then the FCC unless they will try to cooperate. You should not immediately part with your money simply because of a promise of a high return," Aquino said.

Last July 21, 18 victims of One Dream filed syndicated estafa charges against the multi-level networking firm under Article 315 and 316 of the Revised Penal Code for the operation and recruitment of prospective investors using the system profit scheme.

One Dream and FLAG owner Arnel Gacer remains at large. -Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News


Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/530170/news/regions/former-survivor-castaway-scammed-by-one-dream