The Philippine National Police warned the public on Tuesday to stay alert against online scams targeting early holiday shoppers, as agencies recorded 3,941 cases from January to November 13.
Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Anti-Cybercrime Group noted online selling scams as the most common with 1,630 cases, followed by investment or task scams with 589, vishing with 431, hijacked profiles or IDs with 326, and loan or lending scams with 251. Other schemes include accommodation or travel scams, smishing, fake bookings, phishing, e-wallet fraud, romance scams, employment scams, card fraud, parcel scams, and fake receipt or “legit buyer” scams.
“Ngayong papalapit ang Pasko, mas nagiging agresibo ang mga online scammer,” Nartatez said. He urged the public to double-check online sellers, avoid clicking unverified links, and never share one-time passwords or banking details.
Police said scammers use fake promo links, parcel delivery alerts, phishing messages, and deceptive investment schemes to steal personal information and money. Authorities advised the public to transact only with verified online stores, confirm parcel notifications through official courier apps or websites, and enable two-factor authentication for online banking. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately.
“Habang papalapit ang kapaskuhan, tumataas ang bilang ng naloloko online. Kaya hinihikayat namin ang publiko na maging mapanuri sa bawat transaksyon. Kung may duda, huwag ituloy, mas mabuting mag-ingat kaysa maging biktima,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the reminders follow the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect Filipinos in online spaces during the busy shopping season.
“Sa pagpasok natin sa pinaka-abalang shopping season ng taon, ang pinakaligtas na transaksyon ay yung nasubukan at napatunayan na,” he added.
Authorities encouraged the public to ensure every online transaction is legitimate and report cybercrimes to the nearest PNP ACG office or through 911.
