Kapuso actor Kelvin Miranda revealed he was almost scammed recently after receiving a suspicious offer for a supposed big project.
“Inalam ko ‘yung detalye, and then, nakiramdam at nakaramdam ako na hindi siya totoo,” Kelvin shared in an interview with GMA Network’s Nelson Canlas.
Kelvin said he sensed something was off during his phone conversation with the so-called director, and quickly spotted red flags.
“Malakas ang gut feel ko na hindi ko ma-explain kung paano ko nararamdaman ‘yung mga taong ganu’n. Ganu’n ‘yung estilo nila,” he said.
Grateful that he trusted his instincts, the ‘Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre’ star added, “So thankful na lang ako na hindi talaga siya nangyari.”
Currently portraying Adamus, the guardian of the Earth Gem (Brilyante ng Lupa) in the GMA Network fantasy series, Kelvin took his warning further on social media. On his Facebook page, he posted screenshots and audio recordings of his interaction with the scammers—one who posed as “Direk Matthew” and another who impersonated GMA Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
“Hello Everyone!! Sharing this for AWARENESS. Kung sino man nakakakilala sa boses nito ipagbigay alam niyo lang para magawan ng agarang aksyon at maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayare,” he wrote.
Kelvin recounted that he was asleep when his manager woke him up with a call about the project, which was supposedly endorsed by a top GMA Network executive. Although hesitant, he initially entertained the conversation.
“Sinubukan kong i-entertain baka sakaling totoo, pero kailangan sa ‘DAW’ PRIVATE PLACE kasi nga daw Bold and Dark and tema ng pelikula na ipapasa daw sa New York International, blah blah,” Kelvin shared.
But when he insisted on consulting with his management, the call was abruptly cut, and he received another message from the fake “Miss Annette.”
Feeling uneasy, Kelvin reached out to Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo and messaged the real Atty. Gozon-Valdes, who confirmed that the offer was fake.
“Naisip ko i-record yung susunod na call para kahit na pa-paano ma-recognize yung boses nung taong nagpapanggap bilang Executive at DIREKTOR MATTHEW ‘DAW’ na hindi ko pa naririnig sa buong buhay ko sa showbiz industry na may Direk Matthew,”** he explained.
He also questioned the audition’s setting: “Nagtaka rin ako sa naging paraan ng audition na sa isang private room ang casting call.”
Kelvin stressed that he has learned to be cautious after years in the industry and is now sharing this experience to help protect others.
“Mag-ingat kayong lahat lalo sa panahon ngayon, maraming halang ang kaluluwa parang maisakatuparan ang kanilang hangarin kahit na ito ay panlalamang at puno ng kasamaan para sa kapwa din nilang nilalang,” he warned.
And to the person behind the scam, Kelvin had this to say: “Kung sino ka man na nasa likod tong panglolokong ginagawa mo. Tandaan mo kung nakakatakas ka man at napagtatagumpayan mo ang ibang panlolokong ginagawa mo, i-enjoy mo na habang nabubuhay ka dahil may nag-aabang sayong parusa—hindi sa katawang lupa mo, mas higit sa kaluluwa mo.”
