The rise of digital scams in the Philippines continues, with fraudsters now preying on unsuspecting victims through fake lottery and sweepstakes announcements. To combat this, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, has joined forces with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to remind the public to stay alert against these fraudulent schemes.
How the Lottery Scam Works
Scammers lure victims by sending messages claiming they have won a jackpot from a lottery, sweepstakes, or raffle. These fake announcements are sent via SMS, email, phone calls, or even social media.
To claim the supposed prize, victims are asked to pay fees such as taxes, insurance, or courier charges. In worse cases, the fraudsters request sensitive personal and financial information — which can be used for account takeovers and identity theft.
“Scammers are very convincing, but the rule is simple: if you didn’t join a raffle or lottery, you didn’t win anything,” warned PCapt Michelle Sabino, spokesperson of the PNP-ACG.
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim
The PNP-ACG and GCash are urging Filipinos to take extra precautions:
Inspect all mail and messages carefully. Be wary of envelopes or sweepstakes notices that look suspicious.
Never share personal details. Scammers often pretend to verify your identity to gain access to your accounts.
Read the fine print. Legitimate contests always have clear terms, dates, and disclaimers.
GCash’s Reminder to Users
GCash is once again emphasizing that users must never share their MPIN or OTP and must avoid clicking on unfamiliar links sent via SMS, email, or chat apps.
If you encounter or suspect a scam, you can:
- Contact the PNP-ACG at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or acg@pnp.gov.ph.
- Report incidents directly through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.”
- Call the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries or assistance.
Stay Alert, Stay Protected
As digital transactions continue to grow, cybercriminals also find new ways to deceive. Staying informed and vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and your hard-earned money.
For more updates and safety tips, visit www.gcash.com.ph.