Online Scams & Fraud in The Philippines
With the rapid growth of internet accessibility and usage in the Philippines, the risk of falling victim to online scams has grown exponentially. Recent statistics reveal a distressing reality: one in every two Filipinos has been targeted by fraudsters.
This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for awareness and vigilance in navigating the digital landscape, as well as the importance of implementing effective measures to combat online scams and protect the well-being of the Filipino people.
Join us as unveil where you can report scams in the Philippines, how to get victim support as well as other important scam statistics.
Scam Statistics in the Philippines
The key statistics on online fraud in The Philippines, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 106 million | 108 million | 110 million | 111 million |
| Internet Penetration | 67%, | 67% | 72% | 66% |
| # of Scams | 1,738 | 6,471,300 | ||
| Scams / 1,000 | 58.28 | |||
| Money Lost | € 420.37 Million | |||
| Money Lost / Capita | € 3.81 | |||
| Money Lost / Report | € 64.94 |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Where Can I Report a Scam in the Philippines?
- The Philippine National Police- You can report any online scam and fraud to the nearest police station or to the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the PHN by filing a complaint or by Tel. +63 (8) 723-0401 local 7491.
- A Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT)- You can report computer security incident reports and activities to them as they are a part of Philippines CERT®.
How to Report a Scam in the Philippines
Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.
- Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
- Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
- Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
- Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.
Scam Victim Support in the Philippines
We could not find any victim support group in The Philippines.
Other Scam Organaziations
- The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)- They are responsible for the formulation of the National Cybersecurity Plan, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the facilitation of international intelligence cooperation.
- The Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (OOC)- The OOC serves as the focal point for all issues including extradition and international mutual aid for cybercrime and related issues.
How to Check for a Scam in the Philippines
Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.
- Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)- You can check for financial-related services scams and investment scams as the SEC oversees and regulates financial markets in the Philippines.
Scam News From the Philippines
- Hontiveros: Hundreds of foreigners duped into working in Manila 'scam hubs'
- Philippines rescues more than 1,000 trafficking victims used to run online scams
Image source: pexels.com
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