EDITORS DESK
I conducted an informal survey among previously scammed individuals to understand the frequency and factors contributing to why they have become victims of cybercrimes. Disturbingly, the results revealed that around 50 percent had been defrauded more than once, highlighting an alarming trend of re-victimization. These people have become “suki” of scammers, and I found out the reasons for this phenomenon.
In my study, I discovered that the victims often displayed poor cyber practices, like weak passwords, sharing sensitive information, clicking on unsolicited links, and lacking vigilance. In a desperate attempt to outwit the scammers and hoping to get their money back, some victims fall prey to the scam again. Some even hire “hackers” to help them, only to find out that the hackers are also scammers. This is because scammers often prey on people’s greed and desperation. They know that people who have been scammed once are more likely to be scammed again, and they use this to their advantage.
The reasons above and the neglect of basic cyber security expose them to cybercriminals exploiting such lapses to execute the fraud. If you have been a victim of any form of online scam, expect that you will be targeted again.
Also, a closer look at these victims will show a significant lack of awareness concerning scam tactics. Many victims could not recognize common scam indicators like phishing emails or unsecured websites.
My survey, while informal, stresses the crucial need for comprehensive public education on scam prevention and improved cyber hygiene. By fostering awareness and promoting safer online practices, we can arm individuals against scam attempts, decrease the risk of re-victimization, and ultimately create a more secure digital environment.
I am sharing an article written by Jose Alejandro Agalabia, one of the convenors of an organization that fights abusive online lending apps.
Victimizing the victims
“In recent years, Online Lending Apps (OLAs) have become increasingly popular in the Philippines to access quick and easy loans. However, along with the rise of OLAs, there has also been a surge in scams targeting vulnerable victims who have fallen behind on their loan payments.
These scams come in various forms, but they all share a common goal: to prey on the fears and desperation of victims struggling to repay their loans and profit from them. If illegal predatory OLAs are the disease, then these scammers are the opportunistic infections.
One of the most common scams is perpetrated by the so-called “Bura Bura Gangs” or modify hack, who promise to erase or delete debt records from the OLA’s database via hacking or insider manipulation. These gangs charge a significant amount or fee for their services but ultimately fail to deliver on their promises.
Another group of scammers is the “Counselors and Resource Groups,” who, for a flat fee, offer to help victims deal with their OLA problems. These groups often provide emotional support and advice for specified fees but ultimately fail to deliver any real solutions that just add to the victims' financial difficulties.
Finally, unregistered volunteer organizations operate a donation scheme, asking for donations from victims struggling to repay their loans. These organizations claim to use the donations to help support the organization’s programs and fight against OLAs, but in reality, the money goes straight to their pockets of the scammers. What's worse is that they gather the victim's personal data as verification without any checks and balances against data privacy.
These scams are not only unethical but also illegal. Victims who fall prey to these scams may find themselves in even deeper financial troubles, losing money to the scammers without solving their debt problems. In addition, some victims may also become vulnerable to identity theft or other forms of cybercrime, as scammers may require sensitive personal information to carry out their fraudulent activities.
Recognizing the context in which these scams are taking place is essential. Victims of predatory OLAs often face intense pressure, including death threats, harassment, and public shaming. They may be desperate for help and comfort, so they may be more vulnerable to scams that promise to solve their problems.
It is crucial for victims to be able to identify these scams and to distinguish between legitimate sources of support and those that have hidden motives to profit from them. By raising awareness of these scams, we can help victims to make informed decisions and to avoid falling prey to further exploitation. It is also essential for the government and other organizations to provide support and resources to victims, including legal assistance, counseling services, and financial education, to help them overcome the challenges they face and to protect them from future harm. It is also essential for the government to take action to crack down on these scams and to provide support and protection for victims who these opportunistic predators have exploited.
Scammers who promise to hack into computer systems to modify, delete or change information on the database in exchange for money are breaking several laws in the Philippines. Victims of such scams should report the matter to the authorities and seek legal advice to protect their rights and recover their losses.”
(Art Samaniego, Jr. is the head of Manila Bulletin IT Department and is the editor of Technews.)