Downloaded games are a popular form of entertainment for many Filipinos. However, some of these may contain phishing malwares, according to a recent joint investigation by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash, the country's leading mobile wallet.
The most common red flag to look out for in downloaded gaming apps is a blatant request for private information such as credit card numbers, or passwords for social media and bank accounts. Most of the time, these gaming apps contain malwares that will trick players into clicking a phishing link. These are common in apps where players buy character upgrades or items and play-to-earn games.
“Links inside a gaming app scam can easily be distinguished because they use irregular formats like (http://gc.ashpin). Clicking on such links redirects users to obviously fraudulent websites and such actions should immediately be aborted,” advises GCash chief risk officer Ingrid Rose Ann Beroña.
For gambling apps such as e-bingo platforms, users are advised to check if the company that created them is listed on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) website.
P/Capt. Michelle Sabino of the PNP-ACG adds, "Gamers should be wary of seemingly trustworthy persons or agencies initiating chats but soliciting personal information. Legitimate persons or institutions will never ask for such sensitive information."
Both PNP-ACG and GCash emphasize the importance of being cautious towards emails or text messages that request for personal information. They also advise against clicking any embedded links. Regularly updating one’s mobile phone or computer software, which includes cybersecurity features, is also recommended. Users are also advised to create strong passwords for all online accounts.
Users are encouraged to report incidents of scams, fraud, and cybercrime to the PNP-ACG through its hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116 or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.
To report a scam, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type "I want to report a scam." Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph.
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About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country's leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
About Fuse Lending, Inc.
Fuse Lending, Inc is a company that offers simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to enable individuals and small businesses to achieve financial security and growth through various digital lending products. Fuse Lending is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines. It’s also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
About CIMB Bank Philippines
CIMB Bank Philippines is a digital-only commercial bank providing innovative mobile-first digital banking solutions and services. Named by Forbes as the Top # 1 Bank in the Philippines in its 2023 World’s Best Banks ranking, it has garnered 83 prestigious international awards and is a leader in digital banking products and services in the Philippines. Currently serving around 7 million Filipinos and over 2.5 million lending customers, CIMB Bank Philippines is also part of the CIMB Group, one of ASEAN's leading banks in over 16 global markets.
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