Arci Muñoz reveals she lost P500K after a man stole her credit card in business-class flight
Arci Muñoz revealed she lost P500,000 from her credit card which was stolen mid-flight when she was traveling to South Korea from Japan.
The 34-year-old actress-model, who flew in business class, recalled her “horror story” again in her interview with media during the premiere of Netflix’s Replacing Chef Chico on Thursday, Nov. 24.
“Nag-nap ako, pag-gising ko, wala na 'yung bag ko doon. Tapos 'yung lalaki, nakatayo sa cubicle doon sa plane, sa cubicle ko. He was getting my magazine. Pagkakita ko, 'yung bag ko nasa aisle na. Binitawan niya kasi nakita niya ako,” she recalled.
Arci shared that she thought nothing was stolen after immediately checking her belongings, so she told the flight attendant that all her personal items were still there. She also noted how she didn’t want to cause any disturbance to the staff and other passengers.
“Pero ayoko maging judgmental. I wanted to avoid conflict. When I searched my bag, andoon naman 'yung wallet ko. 'Di ko na-isa-isa 'yung cards,” she said. “Ayoko mang istorbo. Ayoko ng commotion. I told the flight attendant everything is here.”
It was two days later when she realized that her credit card was stolen after receiving a notification from the bank that it was used in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Among the things that were purchased were diamonds and a brand-new iPhone.
“Noong time na nalaman ko, I went straight to the bank," she continued. "Saka sana may alert. Usually pag nag-withdraw ka may text. This time wala ako na-receive, so feel ko modus talaga."
“Okay lang kung pinang-travel ko, pinang-produce ko ng pelikula. Pinaghirapan ko 'yan. Ang sakit talaga,” she lamented.
The Open star first shared the experience on Nov. 9 via her TikTok account. The said flight was her connecting flight bound for the Philippines.
“I am doing this, it is for awareness na huwag tayo masyadong kampante. Imagine I thought I was in a safe place, in a premier airline,” she said, advising the public to be always on alert in public spaces, especially when traveling alone.
“Ayoko isipan masama tao kasi, pero ngayon, I really need to be alert. It was so unfortunate, kasi 'di ko talaga alam gagawin ko. I am heartbroken, 'di pa nababalik,” she said.
Arci shared that she is currently appealing to the bank regarding the unauthorized purchases; she has also coordinated with Korean Air and is now waiting for their response.
