MANILA: Authorities on Friday said it has cracked down on two firms allegedly engaged in an online lending collection scam. In a press briefing, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago identified the establishments as Philvest Solutions and 24H PESO, which extort money from borrowers and clients using 'deceptive and coercive methods.' Their activities include unauthorized processing of personal and sensitive information to contact borrowers, clients, and third parties, falsely claiming outstanding debts through threats and intimidation. Santiago said investigation revealed the subjects were using personal and sensitive information individuals in their contact lists to damage reputations, harass, threaten, coerce, and conduct unduly intrusive methods, such as posting on social media and other platforms. A search warrant was applied for, and subsequently granted by the Paisg City Regional Trial Court against the subject establishments located in Brgy. 76, Pasay City. A suspect, i dentified as Mi Duan aka 'Ms. Lucky,' was arrested pursuant to the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, Rule 113, Section 5. She was informed that she was being arrested for violation RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). Source: Philippines News Agency