From Hollywood Dreams to a $44M Nightmare: Inside the Cebu BPO Fraud That Preyed on Elderly Authors

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — January 30, 2025

OVER 800 elderly authors in the U.S. were robbed—not by burglars, but by an elaborate publishing scam. The alleged masterminds—Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, Bryan Navales Tarosa, and Gemma Traya Austin—have been arrested for operating the fraudulent scheme through Innocentrix Philippines and PageTurner, Press & Media LLC. They lured victims with promises of Hollywood adaptations, only to vanish with their money. This case isn’t just about fraud; it’s a wake-up call to the dangers of unchecked international scams and the legal blind spots that leave victims unprotected.

In this analysis, we will examine the nature of the scam, the legal framework governing the charges, the social impact, and the violations under both U.S. and Philippine laws. We will also discuss preventative measures that can help protect authors from similar frauds in the future.

The Art of the Con: A Breakdown of the Scam’s Tactics

The scheme allegedly followed a well-calculated strategy to lure elderly authors into a fraudulent book-to-film pipeline. The accused, through their Cebu-based BPO company Innocentrix Philippines and its U.S. front, PageTurner, Press & Media LLC, targeted self-published authors with unsolicited messages. Their tactics included:

False Promises of Hollywood Deals – The accused allegedly claimed affiliations with major literary agents, studios, and streaming services, offering authors the chance to have their books adapted into movies or TV series.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics – Victims were convinced that immediate upfront payments were necessary to secure these “exclusive” adaptation deals.
Exploitation of Elderly Authors – Many victims were senior citizens who had invested years into their books and were eager for recognition. Their vulnerability made them prime targets.
Use of Fake Credentials and Misrepresentation – The accused allegedly used misleading advertising, fabricated testimonials, and fraudulent endorsements to appear legitimate.

The fraud reportedly amassed $44 million over a seven-year period (2017–2024).

The Law’s Long Arm: U.S. Statutes and Precedents in Play

The accused face multiple charges under U.S. federal law:

Mail and Wire Fraud (18 U.S. Code § 1341, § 1343)
- The scam involved sending fraudulent offers through email and other electronic communications, violating federal wire fraud statutes.
- Convictions can result in up to 20 years in prison per count and fines up to $250,000.
Money Laundering (18 U.S. Code § 1956)
- The accused allegedly transferred and concealed the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.
- Convictions carry up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 or twice the amount laundered.
Potential Extradition to the Philippines
- The accused, currently in U.S. custody, may face additional legal consequences in the Philippines if authorities pursue parallel investigations.

Beyond U.S. Borders: Philippine Laws and Potential Consequences

While the primary case is being prosecuted in the United States, the accused may also be held accountable under Philippine law. The following statutes provide a legal basis for additional charges:

Estafa (Fraud) – Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code
- The scam involved false pretenses and deceit to obtain money from victims.
- Convictions can lead to life imprisonment (reclusion perpetua) under Presidential Decree No. 1689 (Syndicated Estafa) since it involved an organized group defrauding multiple victims of substantial sums.
Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160, as amended)
- If Philippine bank accounts were used to launder funds, the accused could face 7 to 14 years in prison and fines up to P10 million.
Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175)
- Fraud committed through digital communications is punishable by 6 to 12 years in prison and fines up to P1 million.
Consumer Protection Laws (RA 7394, RA 8799)
- False advertising and misrepresentation in the publishing industry could result in administrative sanctions from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Philippine authorities such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) could initiate separate investigations to freeze assets and prosecute the accused under domestic laws.

The Social Impact: Shattered Dreams and Eroded Trust

The consequences of this scam go beyond financial losses. The victims, many of whom are elderly, have suffered:

Financial Devastation – Losing life savings on false promises of literary success.
Emotional Trauma – A loss of trust in the publishing industry, leaving victims disillusioned and discouraged.
Damage to the Philippine BPO Industry – Innocentrix Philippines’ role in this scam damages the credibility of legitimate BPO companies in the country.

The case highlights the urgent need for greater consumer protection and fraud awareness, particularly in industries where creative professionals and aspiring authors are vulnerable to exploitation.

Preventing Future Scams: A Call to Action

Stronger International Cooperation – Enhanced collaboration between Philippine and U.S. law enforcement to investigate and prosecute transnational fraud.
Stricter Oversight of BPO Companies – Ensuring BPO firms operating in the publishing sector adhere to ethical standards.

For Law Enforcement and Regulators

For the Publishing Industry

Transparency in Publishing Contracts – Authors should receive clear, written agreements before paying for services.
Blacklist Fraudulent Companies – Industry watchdogs should maintain a database of scam publishers and warn aspiring authors.

For Aspiring Authors

Due Diligence – Research publishing companies before making financial commitments.
Verify Claims of Hollywood Deals – Legitimate film deals involve literary agents and studios, not cold emails from BPO firms.
Report Suspected Scams – Victims should report fraud to the FBI (if in the U.S.), the NBI (in the Philippines), or consumer protection agencies.

The Fight Continues: Protecting Authors and Upholding Justice

The arrests of Sordilla, Tarosa, and Austin represent a critical step toward justice, but this case should also serve as a wake-up call for authors, law enforcement, and the publishing industry. The scale of this scam—$44 million stolen from 800 victims—demonstrates the urgent need for stronger legal protections, consumer awareness, and international cooperation against fraud.

For 800 elderly writers, the dream of seeing their books on screen turned into a nightmare of deception. But how many more remain at risk? As long as fraudsters can manipulate loopholes, this cycle will continue. True justice isn’t just about punishment—it’s about prevention. We must close these gaps, enforce stronger protections, and send a clear message: those who prey on dreams will face consequences.