📌 From a Tip to a Global Scam:
A YouTuber named Mrwn uncovered a major crypto scam based in Cebu IT Park, Philippines, that defrauded victims of over $800,000. In mid-2024, Mrwn began tracking the source of a suspicious investment call received by a friend. The operation targeted individuals in South Africa, Nigeria, and Gulf countries using fake platforms like Quantum AI and Bitcoin Code.
🎭 Scam Call Center Operations:
Scammers followed a detailed 14-page script, promising 30–40% weekly returns to lure victims into depositing money. Tactics included:
□Emotional manipulation 😡
□Credit card theft 💳
□Use of Bitcoin ATMs and crypto wallets in major decentralized exchanges 🪙
□Victim data stored in plain text — posing major identity theft risks ⚠️
💼 Base Salary: Workers earned between ₱14,000 to ₱20,000 per month (Philippine Pesos), approx. $249–$355 USD/month (based on an average exchange rate of ₱56.25 per $1).💰 Commissions: Agents received an extra $0.35–$0.55 USD per successful deposit made by a scammed victim. These small bonuses incentivized aggressive call tactics and high-pressure sales techniques.
🕵️♂️ Investigation by YouTuber Mrwn:
□ Identifying key players: Mrwn identified key players:“Marcus” (real name Antonio) and “Adam” (alias, with an Israeli number)
□ Infiltrating the call center: Mrwn infiltrated the network, gaining access to: Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, Telegram chats, call logs. 🎥📞 and
□ Evidence collected: Mrwn obtained Financial spreadsheets showing annual revenue of $820K, netting $365K profit 💵
💱 Role of Crypto in the Scam:
■Scammers' manager's screens showed email alerts and notifications from crypto exchanges including login attempts and system maintenance messages, strengthening suspicion that cryptocurrency played a central role in laundering and transferring stolen funds.
■The scammers likely used crypto to receive victim payments and move funds quickly across borders while avoiding traditional banking scrutiny.
📡 Discovery & Public Exposure
■In early 2025, after the scammers moved offices, Mrwn hacked their new CCTV system, impersonated “Adam” on Telegram, broadcasted live office footage and spoke through the intercom, confronting Antonio directly 🎤.The scammers panicked and abandoned the office overnight 🏃💨
🏛️ Authorities Involvement:
After Mrwn’s viral exposé, the Philippine's authorities launched an official investigation, naming suspects and committing to arrests and crackdowns on similar fraud rings 🚔👨⚖️
🛡️ Tips to Avoid Crypto Scams:
1. Verify before investing 🧠
2. Be wary of high returns 🚩
3. Don’t share personal data 🔐
4. Avoid pressure tactics 🛑
5. Use secure platforms 🔒
6. Report suspicious activity 📞
