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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Over 900,000 mobile wallet accounts blocked as GCash, gov't step up drive vs scammers

Over 900,000 mobile wallet accounts blocked as GCash, gov't step up drive vs scammers

Published May 11, 2023 06:41 am
Authorities have blocked over 900,000 suspicious mobile wallet app accounts as government law enforcers have strengthened coordination with the management of the GCash in the crackdown against those involved in fraudulent activities. Aside from blocking suspicious GCash accounts, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also intensified the operations against criminal elements using the popular mobile wallet app in their illegal activities. In its recent operation, PNP and NBI personnel arrested a 21-year online seller from Caloocan City who allegedly duped a woman into buying an iPhone from her through online selling on Facebook. A police report stated that the victim deposited P4,500 to the GCash account of the female suspect as down payment but the phone was never delivered.  The suspect was arrested in an entrapment set by operatives of the PNP- Anti-Cybercrime Group in Novaliches, Quezon City. She is now facing charges for violating Article 315 or (swindling/estafa) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, or the Republic Act 10175. The PNP has been coordinating with the GCash management on anti-crime operations, that include the use of the mobile wallet in criminal activities.  GCash also inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)and has helped arrest top online scammers  In a statement, GCash urged and reminded Filipinos to be more vigilant and cautious as online scams continue to increase.  “We remind our customers to always check the payment terms of the seller, and when possible, transact with those that give the option to pay after the product or service is rendered,” the statement read.  “For added security and safety, GCash tells customers to always ask the seller for their contact details and demand for an official or acknowledgment receipt for proof of transaction,” it added.  It added that it does not send users’ personal messages to address concerns or get personal information, especially the MPIN and One-time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline 2882 for queries and other concerns. The PNP-ACG, for its part, said victims could contact the police through its hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center at [help.gcash.com/hc/en-us](http://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us) or message Gigi on the website and type, “I want to report a scam.”   
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