Scam Factory: Episode 4 - "This Will Be My Last Message"

Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Denise Chan | Host/Author: Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 4 of Wondery's gripping series Scam Factory, titled "This Will Be My Last Message," host Denise Chan delves deeper into the harrowing experiences of individuals trapped within a clandestine operation forcing them to perpetrate scams against unwitting victims. This episode primarily follows the stories of Jella and Charlie, two Filipinas striving to escape the oppressive conditions of the scam factory and the perilous challenges they face along the way.

Jella's Struggle and Escalating Tensions

The episode opens with Jella, one of the workers in the scam factory, anxiously awaiting the end of her grueling night shift. As the clock approaches 1 AM, her apprehension grows:

[00:40] Jella: "They just said that it was a meeting with the boss, the team leader and the translator."

Jella's fears materialize when the team leader announces a change in the payment structure, tying their meager salaries to their scamming performance:

[02:04] Jella: "If you have five to seven people, scam your salary $700 and if you have a bigger amount like 20,000 AUSD scam, they will give you 1,000 USD salary plus your commission."

For someone as inexperienced as Jella, this shift spells disaster. Her lack of scamming prowess results in diminished earnings and heightened anxiety. The situation deteriorates further when the management introduces harsher punishments for failing to meet quotas:

[03:39] Jella: "They will lessen the food. Like that."

[03:43] Jella: "You will be punished to duck walk inside the field for 20 times."

These threats of reduced food supplies and degrading punishments, such as humiliating duck walks, exacerbate the already tense environment, leaving Jella desperate for an escape.

Charlie's Desperate Gamble

Parallel to Jella's plight, Charlie grapples with her own mission to rescue her family from the scam factory. From a studio apartment balcony in Bangkok, Charlie contemplates reaching out for help:

[07:52] Colonel Dominador Matalang: "I have to smoke when I'm going to talk to someone or chat someone regarding this."

Determined to secure her brothers' freedom, Charlie connects with Colonel Dominador Matalang, a police attaché from the Philippine Embassy. Their interaction is fraught with tension as Charlie seeks his assistance:

[16:54] Denise Chan: "Charlie had to make a choice. She could clear her conscience or else it was a huge risk."

Charlie faces a moral dilemma: report her involvement in human trafficking and risk implicating herself, or stay silent and watch her family remain captive. The Colonel, recognizing the value of Charlie's insider knowledge, pressures her to cooperate:

[16:36] Police Colonel: "Because my objective is to identify the boss who run the company."

Charlie's decision becomes a pivotal moment, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict and eventual escape attempt.

The Escape Plan and Execution

As news of an impending transfer to a more secure compound spreads, Jella and her colleagues intensify their search for a way out. During their covert online investigations, they stumble upon the name Colonel Matalang, igniting a glimmer of hope:

[20:03] Jella: "And then right there, we read the name. Colonel Matalang."

Determined to capitalize on this lead, Jella and her group reach out to the Colonel through various social media platforms, eventually establishing a line of communication. The Colonel provides crucial guidance on exploiting the scam factory's vulnerabilities, specifically the existence of complaint desks staffed by local administrators:

[22:27] Jella: "There are people of Myanmar there, Colonel told Jalap."

Armed with this information, the group devises a plan to confront their captors and negotiate their release. However, their attempt is nearly thwarted when the translator inadvertently informs the bosses of their escape plans. In a frantic bid for freedom, Jella and her companions act swiftly, gathering their belongings and preparing to flee:

[25:04] Jella: "I just get all my camera and left all my shoes, my dress, my wallet. Only money that I have. I put it inside my sock. I put it inside my underwear."

Their escape begins under the cover of darkness, meticulously navigating through monitored areas to reach the complaint desk. The tense atmosphere peaks when they face opposition from guards and supervisors attempting to dissuade them from leaving:

[28:09] Jella: "Whatever happens, do not come back to your compound or to your room."

Despite the immense pressure and threats of retaliation, the group's unwavering determination leads to a successful breakout for several members. However, not all escape unscathed, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Aftermath and Cliffhanger

In the wake of their escape, Jella and the surviving members are divided based on their modes of entry into Myanmar. While some return to Manila safely, others face uncertainty and the looming threat of retribution from the syndicate. Additionally, Charlie, who played a crucial role in orchestrating the escape, finds herself in jeopardy as the syndicate closes in, hinting at escalating tensions in subsequent episodes:

[31:54] Denise Chan: "That's on the next episode of Scam Factory."

Conclusion

Episode 4 of Scam Factory intensifies the narrative, showcasing the resilience and desperation of individuals trapped in a manipulative and dangerous environment. Through Jella and Charlie's intertwined stories, Denise Chan highlights the complex dynamics of coercion, survival, and the quest for freedom within the sinister world of scam factories. As the series progresses, listeners are left anticipating the unfolding consequences of the characters' daring escape and the looming threats from the powerful syndicate.

Notable Quotes

1. Jella on Payment Structure:

   "[02:04] If you have five to seven people, scam your salary $700 and if you have a bigger amount like 20,000 AUSD scam, they will give you 1,000 USD salary plus your commission."

2. Threats of Punishment:

   "[03:43] You will be punished to duck walk inside the field for 20 times."

3. Charlie's Dilemma:

   "[16:54] Charlie had to make a choice. She could clear her conscience or else it was a huge risk."

4. Jella's Determination:

   "[25:24] Whatever happens, do not give money."
   &
   "[29:47] The only thing in my mind is I will escape no matter what. I will not come back no matter what."

Stay Tuned:
Don't miss the next episode of Scam Factory as the story of Charlie's predicament and the consequences of the recent escape unfold. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or your preferred podcast platform to continue this riveting journey.