Maya, the Philippines’ top digital bank, and JuanHand, the country’s leading online cash loan app, have joined forces with government agencies and fintech partners to launch Protecta Fintech, a new initiative aimed at combating cybercrime and enhancing consumer protection.

This collaborative effort unites the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), alongside private-sector leaders like Maya and JuanHand. The initiative comes at a critical time as digital fraud rises in tandem with the growing adoption of online banking and payment platforms.

“We are proud to introduce PROTECTA FINTECH as a collaborative effort to tackle cybercrime challenges in the fintech industry. By working with both government and private sectors, we are setting the stage for a more secure digital financial ecosystem that supports fairness, innovation, and empowerment for all Filipinos,” according to Francisco Roberto “Coco” D.C. Mauricio, Lead Advocate of Protecta Fintech and President and CEO of JuanHand.

The Protecta Fintech program aims to strengthen the financial ecosystem by promoting regulatory compliance among businesses, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and raising public awareness about emerging cyber risks. Key components include educating consumers on identifying scams, upgrading cybersecurity tools, and addressing threats like phishing and vishing.

For Maya and JuanHand, this partnership underscores their commitment to providing safe and reliable digital financial services to Filipinos. Kristoffer Rada, Maya’s Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, emphasized the importance of trust in digital platforms, “By working together and teaching consumers how to spot scams, we’re building trust in digital banking. Every Filipino should feel confident using digital tools to manage their money.”

With cybercriminals employing sophisticated tactics, such as using IMSI catchers to impersonate brands and send fake OTP notifications, the initiative also advocates vigilance. “Never click on links in text messages, even if they appear genuine. Banks and telcos, including Maya, have blocked messages with links. If you see one, it’s a scam,” warned Rada.

Protecta Fintech represents a unified effort to create a safer digital landscape, ensuring Filipinos can embrace financial technology without fear of fraud.