Philippines cybercrime complaints hit a record high in 2024, according to a report released on January 31, 2025 by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
A total of 10,004 complaints were filed last year. That’s a huge jump from the 3,317 cases recorded in 2023. CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said victims lost almost PHP 198 million to cybercriminals in 2024. That’s a staggering amount.
But why the sudden rise in numbers? Ramos explained it’s not just because scams are increasing. People are more aware now. They recognize scams faster and know where to report them.
“In previous years, many didn’t realize they were being scammed. Some didn’t even know where to file complaints,” Ramos said.
The Most Common Scams
Out of all the Philippines Cybercrime complaints, around 3,534 cases were related to consumer fraud. That’s about 35% of the total. These cases involved:
- Non-delivery of goods or services
- Fake online advertisements
- Fraudulent e-commerce transactions
But consumer fraud isn’t the only problem. The CICC also received complaints about:
- Financial scams like phishing and unauthorized account access
- Impersonation scams, where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust
- Job scams, tricking people into fake employment offers
- Investment scams, promising high returns but leaving victims empty-handed
- Love scams, where fraudsters build fake online relationships to steal money
Online scams come in many forms. Some are easy to spot. Others are so convincing they trick even the most careful people.
GCash Tops the List of Platforms Affected
Digital wallets and online banking apps have made transactions easier. But they’ve also become common tools for scammers.
According to the CICC, GCash users lost the most money in 2024. The total? PHP 76.49 million.
Other platforms hit hard include:
- BPI – PHP 28.47 million lost
- GoTyme – PHP 15.38 million lost
- PayMaya – PHP 13.99 million lost
These numbers show how vulnerable digital transactions can be. Even with security features, scammers find ways to exploit gaps.
More Than Just Money
Not all cybercrimes are about stealing money. Some are about stealing personal information, ruining reputations, or causing emotional harm.
The CICC also recorded cases of:
- Identity theft
- Illegal access to private accounts
- Phishing attacks through fake emails and websites
- Cyberlibel
- Sexual cybercrimes, including harassment and exploitation
These crimes don’t always make headlines, but they affect real people. They leave victims feeling violated and unsafe, both online and offline.
What Can You Do?
The government wants people to speak up. If you’re a victim of a scam or cybercrime, don’t stay silent. Report it.
You can call the government’s toll-free hotline 1326. It’s open 24/7, even on holidays.
“Reporting is the first step. The faster we know about scams, the quicker we can act,” Ramos said.
The government is also working with banks and e-wallet companies. They’re trying to make online transactions safer. But safety starts with you.
Stay Safe Online
Here are some simple tips to protect yourself:
- Double-check links before clicking.
- Don’t share personal info with strangers online.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
- Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
Scams will keep evolving. But staying alert, informed, and cautious can help keep you safe.
