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As scammers increasingly exploit human vulnerabilities, GCash highlights the importance of working together to safeguard users from fraudulent activities.
As digital scammers increasingly exploit human vulnerabilities, fraudsters primarily use phishing (fake emails or sites) and smishing (fraudulent text messages) to trick users into revealing sensitive account information. These tactics have surged to account for over 80% of reported digital fraud in the Philippines. In fact, a recent Gogolook report reveals that malicious link attacks nearly quadrupled (4x) in 2025 alone, with scammers impersonating trusted institutions to deceive users.
To stay ahead of these evolving threats, GCash continues to reinforce its multi-layered security framework, deploying advanced features such as biometric login, multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure in-app OTPs, and also actively educating users on identifying social engineering tactics.
“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, which means our security measures must stay several moves ahead,” says Joel Geronimo, chief information security officer at G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash. “By building proactive safeguards directly into the app, we ensure that our platform remains a trusted partner of Filipinos in their financial journey.”
Scam protection is a collaborative effort
Keeping consumers safe from scams is a collaborative effort. GCash supports the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA, or Republic Act No. 12010), which strengthens coordination among financial institutions, the BSP, and law enforcement. GCash secures its platform and works with authorities to combat scams, while helping end-users identify and avoid potential threats online as part of these efforts.
Here is a list of scam tactics often used to trick users. Spotting suspicious messages and heightening awareness are important steps to help make more informed decisions for your account security.
Hacking: Links that lead outside the app
Hacking scams usually start with a message claiming there is an account issue and asking users to log in through a link. The red flag is being redirected outside the GCash app to enter a password, MPIN, or OTP. To avoid this, users should never click links in messages and should open the GCash app directly to check account alerts.
Reward Scamming: Urgent offers and expiring points
Scam messages often promise refunds, prizes, or expiring benefits and pressure users to act quickly. These messages usually use spoofed numbers to appear to come from a legitimate brand. Words like “last chance,” “verify now,” or “account will be suspended” are common warning signs. Users should avoid acting under pressure and verify promotions only through official GCash channels.
Phishing: Requests for personal or account information
Phishing messages pretend to be a trusted brand in order to trick users into giving away sensitive information. Any message asking for OTPs, MPINs, or passwords is a scam. GCash does not request sensitive information via SMS or calls.
Imposter Scams: Impersonating a trusted contact
An imposter scam occurs when a fraudster poses as a friend, family member, or trusted contact to trick you into sending money. These scammers manipulate your emotions by fabricating an urgent crisis—such as an emergency medical bill, legal trouble, or travel disaster—to create panic. Their goal is to pressure you into transferring funds immediately before you have time to verify their identity.
GCash emphasizes that any link appearing in a text message should be treated with caution. “Basta may link, problema ‘yan,” adds Geronimo. “Remember, GCash will never ask you to click a link or give your personal information over an SMS message.”
Personal scam insurance, a safety net
Even with a secure platform and a stronger legal framework, sophisticated and deceptive tactics scammers use to manipulate people can still cause real financial harm. This is why GCash has built an additional personal safety net. Through its digital insurance platform, GCash makes available GInsure Scam Protection, underwritten by Chubb Philippines, giving users an added layer of financial protection against covered scam incidents.
Users can avail of GInsure Scam Protection directly within the GCash app with a one-time payment of ₱30 for 30 days, covering up to ₱15,000.00.
The policy covers unauthorized transactions resulting from hacking, phishing, spoofing, and other similar activities, subject to policy terms and conditions. This includes fraudulent fund transfers, via Send Money or bank transfers, or by making unauthorized purchases across supported online merchants and app-based payment channels, like Lazada, Shopee, and the Play Store.
“With innovations like GInsure Scam Protection, users can get peace of mind with the added financial protection, but it’s still important to stay vigilant and exercise caution. Scam insurance is not a substitute for careful handling of your account,” concludes Geronimo.
Customers are encouraged to review coverage details and report suspicious messages or unauthorized transactions immediately through the GCash Help Center in the app or website, via the Gigi chat support feature, or by calling the GCash hotline at 2882. Scam incidents may also be reported to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group by sending an email to acg@pnp.gov.ph.
For more information, visit the Help Center.
