Two women were arrested in Argao, Cebu after allegedly using a fake online payment screenshot to make it appear that they had settled their P75,395 hotel bill on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 1.
Police identified the suspects as alias ‘Kat,’ 29, a resident of Cupang, Antipolo City, and alias ‘Lisa,’ 30, a resident of San Fernando, Cebu.
Initial police investigation showed that the two checked into a hotel in Barangay Suba, Poblacion, on Aug. 29 at around 3:31 p.m. for a three-night stay.
They were scheduled to check out on Sept. 1, but hotel staff informed them that their outstanding bill had reached P75,395.
Instead of settling the amount, the suspects allegedly presented a screenshot showing an online payment transaction as proof that they had already paid.
Hotel management later checked its account and found that no payment had been credited. The transaction was later determined to be fraudulent.
The hotel’s operations manager, identified by police as alias ‘Leo,’ 34, filed a complaint against the two women.
Management reportedly asked the suspects to settle the outstanding amount in cash or through another valid payment method, but they failed to do so.
The hotel then sought assistance from the Argao Municipal Police Station.
Responding officers arrived at the establishment at around 2:36 p.m. and took the two women into custody.
They were brought to the Argao Municipal Police Station, where they remain detained while facing charges of swindling or estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Authorities reminded the public that using fraudulent proof of payment to avoid settling a bill may result in criminal charges.
Businesses and establishments were also urged to verify digital payment transactions through their own records before considering a bill settled.