13/09/2026
⚠️ SAME DRAMA, DIFFERENT ITEMS. WE ALMOST GOT SCAMMED.
Sharing this because maybe this can save another business owner from losing their hard-earned money.
3 years ago, naay nag-inquire through our page. They introduced themselves as contractors from Davao and said naa silay project there. They wanted to purchase hardware items from us and have everything delivered/picked up and brought to Davao.
Honestly, from the statement itself, makahunahuna gyud ka:
“Wala ba’y hardware sa Davao? Sa CDO diay? Maskin sa Iligan, naa man dagko nga hardware.” 😅
But as a business, we still entertained them properly. We treated them like any other customer and gave them the service they deserved.
Then, they issued a check worth almost ₱1 MILLION.
Friday afternoon nila gihatag ang check. Since late na, wala na gyud na siya ma-deposit and clear immediately. Most likely, Monday or even Tuesday pa siya ma-reflect as cleared.
They were already saying nga Saturday na daw sila mag-pick up sa items.
But I strictly told my husband:
“Ayaw gyud ug release sa items. Hulata nga cleared na ang check. Tawagi ang bank and have them notify you once the money is officially cleared.”
Because yes, when we checked the account/passbook, na-reflect ang amount.
Pero mao ni ang importante:
NA-REFLECT ≠ CLEARED.
We still did not release a single item.
And thankfully, we followed our gut and our business policy.
Because later on, we found out that the check was drawn from a CLOSED ACCOUNT. The supposed payment was never actually credited to us.
Imagine kung among gi-release ang almost ₱1 MILLION worth of hardware.
Mawala among stocks. Mawala among puhunan. And getting it back would have been another story.
Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment to wait.
And honestly, mas hadlok pa gyud to nga time because bag-o pami ga start sa business. Gamay pa kaayo among tindahan. Losing that amount could have seriously affected the business.
To all merchants, hardware owners, suppliers, and fellow business owners:
Please, take this as a reminder.
1. HAVE A STRICT CHECK-CLEARING POLICY.
For us, 3 days clearing policy gyud basta check ang payment. Do not release merchandise simply because the amount appears in your account or passbook.
2. NEW CUSTOMERS = PAYMENT FIRST.
Ayaw gyud ug pautang dayon, especially kung wala pa mo’y established business relationship.
3. NEVER BE PRESSURED BY THE CUSTOMER.
Kung moingon sila, “Kuhaa na lang namo kay naa naman sa account,” or “Urgent kaayo among project,” don’t let their urgency become your financial risk.
4. VERIFY WITH YOUR BANK.
A transaction appearing on your account does not automatically mean the funds are already cleared and available. Confirm with your bank before releasing valuable merchandise.
5. TRUST YOUR BUSINESS POLICIES—even when customers get offended.
Sometimes, maulaw ta. Sometimes, mahadlok ta basin masuko ang customer. Sometimes, makahuna-huna ta nga:
“Basig tarong man ni sila. Basin ma-offend sila kung strict kaayo ta.”
But remember:
We are running a business—not a charity.
And being strict with your payment policy does not mean you’re rude, unprofessional, or distrustful.
It means you are protecting your business.
Kay tinuod gyud—scammers can look legitimate. They can speak professionally, provide company names, show IDs, send documents, tell convincing stories, and make you feel comfortable.
And sometimes, ang pinaka-delikado kay katong mga tawo nga atong gisaligan.
Mao nga don’t be too quick to trust.
Trust, but verify.
Be kind, but be careful.
Entertain every customer professionally, but protect your business first.
Kay ang profit nga atong gi-earn, gikan na sa atong puhunan, hard work, sleepless nights, and years of building the business.
🙏 Thank You, Lord, for giving us wisdom that day and for protecting our business.
Payment first. Cleared payment before release. Always.
