The Department of Information and Communications Technology warned that cyber scams peak during the Christmas season and urged residents in areas like Palawan to take extra precautions as online shopping, e wallets, and remittances rise.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said up to 70 percent of scams occur during the holidays, noting that criminals target Filipinos receiving bonuses, conducting online purchases, or sending money home. He said the agency launched Oplan Paskong Sigurado to boost awareness and strengthen coordination with law enforcement.
“Karamihan kasi ng scam, 60 to 70 percent Pasko nangyayari. After Thanksgiving andiyan na, tapos hanggang middle ng January,” Aguda said.
Aguda said victims or witnesses of online fraud should immediately report to Hotline 1326. He added that nearly P6 billion was lost to cybercrime in 2024, with most cases recorded in December.
“BSP number almost P6 billion noong 2024 nawala because of cyber crime. Almost P4 billion nangyayari pag Christmas, kaya kami sinisigurado na namin, unahan na natin,” he said.
DICT said the surge in scams is driven by increased use of e commerce, digital wallets, and money transfers. The agency is also activating its cyberdome strategy for real time detection of cyber threats.
To curb attacks that exploit older networks, Aguda said the agency is pushing for the shutdown of 2G and 3G by the end of the yearu and will require telecom firms to shift fully to 4G and 5G.
Palawan, where many households rely on mobile connectivity for buying goods and receiving remittances, remains vulnerable to phishing, fake online sellers, and fraudulent links circulating during the holiday rush, the agency said.
