As the holiday season approaches, are you staying vigilant against online scams?
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) revealed that the rate of shopping scams in the country has surged to 35.9%, topping the list among 11 Asian economies examined.
The 2023 Asia Scam Report, unveiled at the 1st Anti-Scam Asia Summit in Taipei and published by GASA and Gogolook, collected data from nearly 20,000 respondents across Asia, spanning China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Shopping scams were identified as one of the nine primary fraud scenarios employed by online scammers across these economies.
The report uncovered various scams, including the following:
- identity theft (PHP1 Billion in E-Wallets Found on POGO SIM Cards)
- investment scams
- government scams (PHLPost Office Alerts Public of Emerging Text Scam)
- bank scams (How to Detect a Fake Bank Login Page)
- job scams (6 LinkedIn Scams to Watch Out For)
- lottery scams (PCSO Targets Unlicensed E-Lotto Operators)
- family/relatives scams
- bill payment scams (BSP: Be Careful of Fake e-Wallet Transaction Notices!)
- charity scams
CICC’s executive director, Alexander Ramos, stressed the importance of caution in online shopping, especially during the holidays. “Shopping scams tend to rise during Christmas,” Ramos explained, emphasizing scammers exploiting the surge in online shopping and people’s heightened vulnerability during this period.
A total of 24.8% of Filipino victims react too quickly to scammers’ demands, while 21.1% choose to take risks despite uncertainties. Vulnerability stems from enticing incentives and excessive trust in friends and family, according to the Asia Scam Report.
Where to Report?
CICC urges the public to report shopping scams and other cybercrimes by calling 1326.
Digital Wallet Security Updates: How to Report a Cybercrime to PNP-ACG
As the holiday season approaches, your awareness can be your best defense!