THE surprise arrest of actress Neri Naig has once again cast a glaring spotlight on the rampant proliferation of get-rich-quick schemes in the Philippines. These scams, often dressed as legitimate investment opportunities, have ensnared thousands of unsuspecting individuals, draining them of their hard-earned money.

One of the most effective tactics used by these fraudulent schemes is the enlistment of celebrity endorsers, whose popularity and perceived credibility lend an air of legitimacy to the offerings. Naig's involvement follows a troubling pattern: Ricardo Cepeda, another actor, was jailed for nearly a year on syndicated estafa charges linked to his role as a brand ambassador for a similar scam. Even Luis Manzano, a high-profile figure, found himself embroiled in a controversy, although he later managed to clear his name.