Free Insurance Plan from Philam
July 18th, 2009 | 
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I received a call from Philam Life Insurance today amidst of my Sleeping Beauty session, telling me that I was chosen to be a recipient of a Free Accident Insurance in line of their Anniversary celebration. I was puzzled as to how was I chosen when I don’t have a plan from them. Well, way back 1999 I guess, but I dropped it. The agent told me I was referred but when I asked who, she actually don’t know. Unfortunately I was not able to ask where she got our landline number. One of my plurk friend said they get info from some credit card listings. Anyway, the agent further said, that this is a way of thanking those plan holders of 7 years who actively pay their insurance, thus, they were asked to pick a recipient. I asked who could that be? She said probably a relative….I’m not really convinced. She told me I need not worry because I won’t be paying for anything. All I have to do is go to their office immediately to claim the certificate and activate it.
I always believe that nothing now is given to you for free so I was really skeptical of going. I had to immediately plurk about it to seek for information. I have searched through blogs and I found helpful information from here, here and a little disturbing post from yahoo.I decided not to go and ‘activate’ the said free insurance. I might not have the strength to say NO to the offers the agent will present to me the moment I claim it. I know for a fact that their convincing prowess is extraordinary! LoL! I heard they’ll really convince you to buy the insurance and the catch is you won’t be able to get the P25,000 insurance if you don’t buy a plan. Okay! I so get it! It’s a Marketing Strategy. It’s legit though but maybe some agents just go way overboard in trying to lure prospect clients. I was given like 45 minutes to be in the office as it is Saturday and they only work half day. The agent informed me it’s already been forwarded to Makati and my presence is the only requirement for the activation. I chose just to ignore it and probably 20 minutes later, she called again. I told her I decided not to take advantage of it. She then said I still can follow up on it this Monday. Just when I thought it’s urgent that I need to settle it today! Can’t blame her though.
My point here is, before you dive into special or free offers you receive over the phone, text or even personally, you weigh things first before accepting. Always think that in anything offered for free, there’s always a catch. Be firm to say NO specially if it involves money and your personal information and much more your credit card! Don’t hand out your credit card number that easy. If they need identification, credit card is certainly not considered as one!
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this is very disturbing, especially the links you’ve got there.. Thank God they’re a lot of people who shares this kind of harassment and let the world knows and be ready if something like that would happen to them…
Yes, thanks to the power of the Internet! at least we still have a lot of options to research a thing or two regarding the subject so we don’t waste our time over things that don’t really matter to us. It’s a precaution also to those who have been called..It’s legit though, but for some who don’t have the power to say NO like me (hehehehe), it’s good a good venue for them to read posts like this ..at least they already have the idea, thus; they’ll have the option whether to go or not.
hi! yeah! buti na lang meron nang internet.
thanks for the visit! have a nice day
Hiya! I was here!
blog roll visit time! ^_^
Thanks for sharing dear. At least we are aware of their modus operandi.
Maricel — Momhood
Moments
buti nalang nagrefer ako sa internet biktima sana ako ngayong araw nato
Actually after I declined, the agent continued to call me through our landline. It gets annoying na after sometime because she was really determined (I guess) to have me go and “claim” it despite the fact na I told her na the second time she called na I decided not to claim it and give nalang the chance to someone else. I never entertained her calls, most of the time I was asleep too when she called…It took cguro 3 weeks before she stopped calling.. I should not be giving out our landline number especially when signing for forms baka dun nila nakukuha.
I have read a lot of comments from other blogs too wherein some poor and naive supposed to be “clients” were deceived. They were asked if they are credit card users and what type of card are they using. Then the agent will get the card unknowingly they have swiped it already and will let u sign documents!
we received a call too from an unnamed philam life agent. he said that my husband received a free insurance policy for 25,ooo. at first i thought it was true and we were really willing to go to the office. however, i read this blog. i am so thankful that you have provided me the idea about this tricky thing they do.
i just wonder why the owners and high officials of philam life allow this to happen. haven’t they realize that if they’ll have this kind of profile with people, who would trust them?? esp if they are already fooling us right on the first time. omg this is not a good thing to do for good promotion. this even gives a bad image on your company. so stop fooling people. i appeal to the officials of philam life. please stop this.
Yeah! Philamlife sucks! if you’ll claim your prize, they’ll offer you promo and will borrow your credit card and without your consent, they’ll swipe it. That idiot! I made a complain in their office for deducting my credit card without my verbal consent and act on his own. Who the hell would want their promo? Your money is lock for 5 years and you’ll earn 4-7% interest and yet, without your knowledge, they will deduct hidden charges (tax, processing fee, etc) that will sum up to 9.6% of your premium amount. That heck!
After that call from PhilamLife Agent, i searched automatically re: free insurance. The agent called me several times at home and was pursuing me here in the office.Same dynamics with the others; insurance for free!(?) Though I said yes but was still doubtful.Thanks again for sharing this output.Right after our conversation, I searched INFO and found your story enlightening. Thank you!
Hi there! too bad for me, though. I received their call three weeks ago, but i didn’t show up. then my sister (she has a fully-paid pension plan from them) asked me to accompany her last Nov5. the lady who called me at home also asked me that morning if I can go to their office in Cubao, QC, to claim my free coverage for Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance worth Php25k. I said I might go there, she reminded me to bring valid ID’s, and so I did that day with my sister.
As soon as we got there, I told my sister that I just want to check on something. I approached the guard and he directed me to the person I was told to look for. The person who welcome asked me for my valid ID’s so I presented my Driver’s License 1st, then he asked for my company ID for my Bank ID. I was curious so I asked, “what do you mean?” He said If I have a credit card, that will be a good Bank ID. so I gave it to him. He made me fill out a form about my self, he said it is for their reference, and also like a claim form.
After that a Lady introduced herself as Ms. ARLENE MARA came to me and started asking me personal questions, sharing her personal stories and started her sweet-talks, “i-am-nice” and “be-successful-like-me” pambobola. She referred to her self as the releasing manager.
She led me to the table, it was just me and her, she said I don’t have to pay anything. she began to interview me, i didn’t expect that it would take that long, she mentioned they’re already preparing my Certificate and asked me to stay for a little while. She asked who I am with, I said my sister is with me. Then she began her script… “why don’t you get your own insurance..” i said it wasn’t my thing. She then said she want to recommend something to me, the one that she has now, but it is not being offered to others, because it will be subject for their management’s approval. She told my not to tell my sister. She would leave me every now and then, asking me to sign some forms.
I know I am stupid, and being tired and sleepy from working is not a reason for me to miss out the information on the forms. I said i’ll think about it, and she said she the offer is only good for today. She asked me for my HSBC credit card, asked for my credit limit and stuff.. Ms. Arlene really knows her game, she made me believe it is something of my privilege. She left again and told me she will be back with the decision if i will be approved or not.
She got back, with another guy, said it was her Unit Manager, his name’s Mr. Mandy Abarua. He’s holding the phone and asked me to tlak to HSBC because when they verified my card, tried swiping it for Php16,000+ their system said DNH (do not honor). I was a bit embarrassed and so I talked to the representative and asked if theyr received my payments, the lady on the phone said yes, and there is already a charge on my card for P11,000+ and another attempt for Php16,000+ was made.
I was shocked and asked “Sinwipe nyo credit card ko?, Chinarge niyo na po?” they did not respond. I continued talking to the representative on the phone. while I was busy with the Rep, they handed my the receipt and the pen, asking me to sign it, I was hesitant and already upset, but since I am being polite and it isn’t my nature to be disrespectful, i remained calm. I am talking on the phone and I heard my sister calling my name, so I knew we need to head home, then without thinking I signed the receipt and stood up. They took advantage of their opportunity, that moment that I couldn’t even think, because my niece was calling me “Tita” and already crying. Ms. Arlene made me sign something again with my niece on my lap, I immediately did.
The Manager said what i will see is Prodigy / Educational Plan, because that is how they are registered with SEC. I just nodded, smiled before leaving… I felt my tears welling up, told my self there’s no turning back because I signed a lot of forms without an explanation from them, i didn’t have the time to ask because that happened so fast. And my credit card, oh no.. how can I pay that when I have other bills P20k for a bill will kill me and will leave me in debt.
When we were heading home, I remained quiet and my sister kept asking why, what was that?.. soon as we get home, i looked for my Mom, told her about what happened, and she was very mad at me. “how stupid could you get” “you weren’t thinking” “i thought you’re smart” blahhh.. blahh.. i really cried and can’t even chew the food on my mouth. I told her I didnt know how i signed up for that.. i mean.. I couldn’t believe, how true my Mom’s words are.
This is the only time I got fooled. Previously, whenever I receive any phone calls, offers, whether in the mall or from relative and friends who’re asking me to sign up for something like that, i never agreed to them, i’ve always used my brain. You might also think I am the most stupid person on earth, well, yeah, at this point, i cannot disagree..
So that was the CATCH for that Free coverage insurance that PhilAm Plans is telling everyone.
Now i can barely eat and sleep and do my job without a second passing.. without a minute thinking of how i can escape from this terrible situation. After talking to my Mom I asked Ms. Arelene to cancel the prodigy investment plan that i signed for an hour ago, but she said, “Low batt ako, what’s your landline, i will just call you..” everyday since nov5, i am texting her begging her to help me cancel it. she did not call me. she doesnt respond to my text messages.
I am planning to call my credit card company. Also, tomorrow is monday, I am planning to go back to PhilAm Plans office in Cubao to submit my request for cancellation.
My mom and my sister is still mad at me. I don’t even have the guts to tell my brothers about this, and my friends too.. because I know I might be slapped on the face or kicked in the ass.
I will first try to be calm by contacting HSBC re: the charge on my credit card, then submit my cancellation to PhilAm plans… If nothing happens, I will bring this to the attention of proper authorities, and then to the media.
I hope others will learn from my experience. And if anyone can help me out, I ‘d really appreciate it. Has anyone you know got out from a situation like this?
- they charged my credit card when they said they will need it to approve the investment plan. technically, i wasn’t informed prior to them charging my card. i’m screwed to death now.
- the investment wasn’t explained, they never read to me the disclosures on the forms, i was told “we need your printed name and signature here (with checks on those portions)”
- they are not answering my calls and text messages.. how’s that now?
Thing is, I am just starting my career. I am only 23 years old, working for two years after graduation. I have my hard-earned money in place, for my plans, dreams that I want to achieve in the future. I have a great dream for my self, never had a debt nor involved to one. I pay my bills for my credit cards in full every due date. AND NOW….i’m in this mess because of being STUPID, my fault… i know.
Please Help……………
Jem
jempascual@yahoo.com
HI. I HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE.. I SENT THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL TO ABS-CBN [(web_feedback@abs-cbn.com) -- HINDI KO ALAM XXX NA EMAIL ADD EH.. ] JUST FEW MINUTES AGO…HOPE THIS COULD HELP.
To whom it may concern:
Hello po..I just received a phone call (landline) last thursday, nov 5,2009, from Rex, a certain agent of philam life insurance telling me i was one of the 30 lucky persons out of 3,000 persons referred in our city to be awarded with a free accident insurance worth Php25,000.00 .. he told me i don’t have to pay anything. all i have to do is go to their office & claim the said certificate.. they were waiting for me for three weeks na daw and the last day of claiming supposedly would be yesterday.. naisip ko, “malay ko ba, na 3 weeks na yun eh ngayon lang may kumontak sa akin?”.. at first, i thought, “wow, that would be great if ever it’s absolutely free???” — am being skeptic however, things like “who could have referred my name (& my contact details, that is, to them?? — pero oo nga naman, nasa telephone directory naman yun, / maybe they had some hidden agenda like offering me one of their plans & “bonus” na lng ung accident insurance?? ) — or maybe this is just a scam — pero, sa philamlife office mismo ako pinapapunta..hmmmm… but eventually, i smelled something fishy na talaga & bacame more skeptical about the said “free” offer when he told me na part of the identification procedure is I HAVE TO PRESENT MY CREDIT CARD (hindi naman daw nila kukunin, HIHIRAMIN lang daw den isasauli din (????); titingnan lang daw ung NAME na naka-embossed dun — HELLO???? kelan naman naging valid for identification ang credit card??? when i actually have valid IDs like passport, company ID, GSIS,etc,etc..???
but anyway, I told him I’ll find time the next day to go & claim my “free insurance certificate” para matapos na yung phone call. But when i got to our office yesterday, i immediately searched the net about this “free accident insurance from philamlife” — and BOOM!! yun na nga, tama hinala ko, something fishy is going on.. the free insurance is just a “bait” for their prospective clients (or appropriately, legal “victims”) to simply come to their office — and yun na, dun na magsisimula ang lokohan procedure nila … the offer may be indeed legal but their way of offering their plan to their client is absolutely WRONG!! dadaanin ba naman sa bilis and ang pinaka sa lahat, eh hihiramin ang credit card mo and basta i-swipe, charging thousands on your credit card WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT?? Fair ba yun? Anyway, pls see the following links:
http://rhodilee.com/personal-free-insurance-certificate-from-philam-plans/?cp=2
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090603233042AA52nO9
http://memoirs.lecio.us/?p=570
and maybe, hundreds of other links pa po, pls find time to search the net na lng po..
I learned from the net na dami2 na pala mga kababayan natin nabiktima sa scam na ito, and yet, hindi pa ito nadi-disclose publicly…so andito po ako, asking for your help in behalf of all filipinos na nagkandahirap sa paghahanapbuhay tapos lolokohin lang ng mga ganitong sistema ng mga insurance companies gaya ng philamlife…desperado na ba talaga sila makakuha ng planholders? pls, paki-imbestigahan naman po natin and sana, ma-announce in public to serve as a warning sa mga future victims pa… tama ang kasabihan na “walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko”… pero dahil nga may naloloko talaga (hindi naman po kasi lahat ng tao eh “Wise & strong enough” to resist those whose tongues were really trained to do these sweet-sales-talk), tulungan na lang po natin maging aware yung iba nating mga kababayan,… maraming salamat po… more power & may God bless you,…
by the way po, dahil nga na-confirm ‘yung hinala ko, i didn’t waste my time in going to their office yesterday…so kagabi, tumawag na naman ung agent sa bahay namin, siguro he was about to ask bakit hindi me nakapunta sa office nila kahapon…since ayoko po syang kausapin dahil baka may masabi lang akong makakasakit ng kapwa, I let my husband answer the phone call.. He simply (but firmly) told Rex na “Im sorry, but my wife is not interested anymore about your offer. Thank you”.. so that’s the end of it…natapos din…
but yung mga kababayan po natin (see links) na naloko na, who are already indebted with thousands sa mga credit cards nila , kawawa naman po..they were still in a dilemma, not knowing what to do or saan po sila hihingi ng tulong… anyway, i just hope this email could somehow help them in any way..Thanks po ulit..
Oh my gosh Jem! that’s very unfair! Don’t rely on Philam’s help in canceling that charge..go directly to your credit card company and have it canceled as in IMMEDIATELY! Somebody should teach these people a lesson.16Thousand is not a joke! ang bigat nun ha! Swiping your credit card without your authorization is very unethical at parang panloloko na rin yun!
Lesson learned, at times like these, even if they swiped na ur card, don’t sign anything so to invalidate the charge! kakainis naman cla! their marketing strategy is not acceptable!
lessons in life:
1) learn to say no.
2) don’t be gullible.
maraming tarantado ngayon.
kaya I did not go nalang kasi I’m not good at saying NO!waaaahhh! I’m too polite and too afraid to offend other people
… nowadays talaga, u don’t have to be too nice and accommodating all the time..mapapahamak ka pa! haystt!
Buti nakita ko itong site mo, pupunta dapat ako mamaya sa Philam Cubao to claim my mother’s certificate pero hindi na lang.
*sighs*.. i really feel bad after that. well, immediately after work for that week, i drafted my letter for HSBC and PhilAm Plans. I sent one in PhilAm Plans Office in Cubao and the other one in their main office. I checked SEC’s website. Since I want immediate action on this concern, I sent the letters through LBC. I didn’t know where to send it so I place their President’s name and address as reflected in SEC’s website. I received a call from PhilAm Plans after two days. I was told that they are currently looking at my concern, and that I might receive another phone call or a letter of response (re: my request for cancellation).
I am a bit relieved. Atleast HSBC, my credit card company, is trying to help me out. I am still waiting for PhilAM Plans to correct the actions made by their agent in their Cubao Office. I will let you know when I get the results.
I do agree… 1- do not be too polite, too nice and too trusting (easily) 2- make a research first, ask for others’ feedback/opinion 3- learn to say NO especially if you’re just saying yes because you thought someone (like PhilAM Plans) is granting you a privelege/an offer (turned out to be a bait, i fell but i’m fighting for my rights till the end) GULLIBLE is an appropriate term. I realized that nothing is free, indeed. There’s always a catch. If you will fall, then you’re a no-brainy pitiful victim. However, if you were told “subject for approval pa” and “good for today ONLY” where deception and manipulation were planned even before you speak, that’s another thing, right? Not to mention other stuff that were told for you to end up in their trap. The game’s very well planed.
I am planning to go to SEC next week if things will not turn out well. I’ve got friends who are willing to help inside the office. Not to mention I worked as a freelance reporter, so I have the option to bring this to the local networks, through my former colleagues. I don’t want to go that far, but I can change my mind if left with no other choice.
In these occasions, we must also be aware of our rights. I have sorority siters in UP who are now lawyers. Based from their advise I can file for an administrative case. we discussed Consumer Rights and hell I will really file one when still, nothing happens.
Those are the options. I hope this will be a lesson to others. DO not be like ME. If ever you’d become one, try the initial steps I took.
******* Know what****
God knows I’ve been weak after this incident. I believe God just wants me to be strong even more. I learned my lesson now. I have faith in Him and that HE will guide me all throughout. I am not scared because HE’s with me
and so HE will/is with the you all.
GOD bless everyone! Please pray for me too. I hope this will soon end.
Looking at your concern? yan yung sabi ng Philam? my gosh! reading your story, they should’ve known already that availing of the plan was against your will! with that, dapat they assured u na e-rerevoke yung charge nila!
Just remember, only Good Karma for those who does not step unto anyone.. to those with good hearts…so I am confident malalagpasan mo rin to and u will win against these people!
I just got same phone call, same message, offer and requirements today, 25 Nov. This people may have legitimate business and offer but the style is rather unethical. You get little or practically nothing from and they get your money from your credit card. Before you get money, if accident happens to you, you will already be paying them money out of your credit card for the plan they recommend which you really don’t need at all, but out of their glib talk we make bad and unnecessary decisions.
Is there anyone can tell me what’s the right thing to do because my husband also fooled by Philam Life. We have already sent the request for cancellation they said, the processing is from 2 to 3 months but it is already five months, my credit card still charging my husband’s account. What will I do?
Jem what happened after you send them a letter? Did they cancel it? Please respond
Hi Mitch! I’m sorry to hear that. These people are so getting into my nerves. Did you try to inform your credit card company the first time they charged your card without your approval? or kahit this time…siguro naman they can do something about it.
Siguro you have to see them personally, i mean philam people and demand for an immediate action. Give them a timeline so they will know u’re dead serious about it. In the first place they were being deceitful! Or better yet cut that credit card (if pwede). I hope you’ll have it all sort out
Na inform na ang credit card company pero sabi nila, dapat ang philamlife mag inform sa kanila na i cancel. Sabi nga nang agent 2 to 3 months lang daw ang pag cancel at kailangan daw na pirmahan yung policy para daw ma process ang cancellation eh till now wala pa kaming policy na natatanggap from them. We have paid already the five months bill. Pagtawag namin sa credit card company na kung pwede ipa cut nalang sabi nila kahit na i cut ang card still may bill parin ito monthly. Kasi payable in year man yung plan.
I’m so hopeless! I have a lots of financial problems right now! Is there any hope for this? Please help!
Goshhh! sugurin mo na sa philamlife office then demand talaga to cut it off..u r a paying customer anyway so i think u have the right to demand for a cutoff. if u need to sign don’t leave until di mo nakukuha ang gusto mo from them. Talk to the manager if u r not satisfied with the service that will be provided by an agent.
You might want to consult to a lawyer as well to check ur options.
thanks emc!
I sent a letter to Philam life main branch but unfortunately the letter was returned due to reason “Unknown Company”
ayy! good Lord! ganun?? baka nagpalit ng name..kakaloka naman tong philamlife na to!
yes, nagpalit na ang pangalan na ngayon is PhilPlans
I was fooled too. Last year, July 7 to be exact, I was charged by Mr. Jeremi Ramos and Amado Abrew – Php 27K+. Okay, that’s HUGE. Supposedly, it’s my 2nd year to pay and I’m planning to go their office, because I am afraid that they might automatically charge my credit card since they have the info. Maybe I can’t do anything about last year’s incident (but I hope there’s something I can do) but I can do something for this year right? Any ideas?
I got into the same trap (prodigy plan) too last June 29th. Bad thing is the credit card I used is Eastwest bank which is their sister company. On day 2 after since I had the transaction, I called Eastwest immediately to have it reversed, they said na-auto reverse daw, ngayun after 15days lumabas na yung bill, to my surprise, andund sa bill yung transaction!
Now I am getting a hard time having the transaction reversed. Eastwest is requesting me a letter from Philplans that it is cancelled but Philplans says hindi daw macacancel agad, kelangan matapos ung 1 year na hulog.
I think I am deemed to pay it for 1 year
.. any suggestions.. Has anyone got luck in having this type of transaction reversed? how was it done.. thanks in advance.