PNP-ACG reminds public: Beware of online scams this holiday season

The Philippine National Police – Anti Cybercrime Group reminded the public to be vigilant against various types of online scams as the holiday season approaches. 

According to PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group Public Information Officer Police Lieutenant Colonel Zyrah Joy Cabal, scammers usually take advantage of individuals through fake promos, fake winnings, or delivery scams.

“Ngayong papalapit ang holiday season, inaasahan po natin na dadami ang online shopping, pagpapadala ng regalo po at ganoon din po iyong pag-book ng mga bakasyon at iba’t-iba pang transaksiyon na gamit ang internet natin. So dapat po nating pagmatyagan iyong mga online shopping scam,” Cabal told state-run media PTV in a phone interview Thursday, October 29.

“Ang layunin po talaga ng mga ganito ay mataranta iyong tao. So ang una nating payo, huwag po natin basta i-click ang link na ipinapadala sa text,” she added.

The police official reminds the public to always verify first before sending money online and transact only with legitimate profiles and websites.

She also encouraged victims to immediately report incidents to the authorities, bringing proof such as screenshots of conversations, and payment receipts, account names, contact numbers, and profile links used by the scammer.

“Marami po kasi talagang nahihiyang magsumbong. Huwag tayong mahiyang magsumbong na pumunta po sa Anti-Cybercrime Group,” Cabal stated.

“So, ang perang gagastusin natin ngayong Pasko ay bunga ng ating pagsisikap at sakripisyo, huwag po nating hayaang mapunta ito sa mga manloloko,” she added.