PNP ACG, CICC, GCash Remind Users to Stay Alert vs Scams Ahead of Undas 2025

As Filipinos prepare to head home to honor their departed loved ones this Undas, GCash reminds everyone to stay alert—not just on the road, but also online. With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of users through text and chat messages that pretend to be from official GCash channels.

“As we commemorate this season of remembering our departed loved ones, digital safety remains a top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and educate users to recognize and avoid scams, especially spoofing,” said Miguel Geronilla, GCash chief information security officer.

Be informed of scam tactics

Scammers are very cunning and will employ different ways to deceive people. One of the common scams to be alert to is spoofing—a type of online scam where fraudsters disguise their identity to make messages, emails, or calls appear as if they’re coming from trusted sources like GCash or other official institutions. 

Watch out for spoofed messages

These messages may look official, but the goal is to trick users into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, MPINs, or account details. Never click suspicious links or share personal details like your OTP, MPIN, or account credentials.

Be alert against fake pages and impersonators

Some spoofing attempts come from fake GCash Facebook pages or Messenger accounts designed to look real. Check for the verified blue checkmark and report suspicious accounts. The only official page is GCash Official.

Never share your MPIN or OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering “account verification” or “cashback.” GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. Sharing these gives scammers access to your account. Always double-check before responding to any message.

Remember: GCash will never send links via SMS, email, or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Spot suspicious links

If you receive a link claiming to fix an account issue or confirm a transaction, don’t click it. Phishing pages are designed to steal your login credentials. Instead, open your GCash app directly to verify any alerts or transactions.

Report and stay informed

If you think you’ve received a spoofed message or encountered a phishing attempt, immediately report it through the Help Center in the GCash app. The GCash security teams continuously monitor and act on reported scams to protect users.

Individuals who have fallen victim to scams are encouraged to report and file cases to initiate the investigation. For assistance, the public can contact the PNP ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph and the CICC national hotline at 1326 or mobile number 0991 4814225, or via email at report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash users may also report suspected fraudulent activities to the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi, "I want to report a scam." Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information and updates on cybersecurity, visit the PNP-ACG Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/anticybercrimegroup and GCash website at https://www.gcash.com.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can honor your loved ones this Undas without falling for scams.

Filipinos can download the GCash app for free on Google Play or the App Store. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. 

PNP-ACG Ramps Up Cyber Defense Training with Leading PH Finance Super App

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has strengthened its drive against digital financial crimes with the launch of its Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the renewal of its partnership with GCash. The event also introduced the Scam Assistance Hub, a project aimed at facilitating the quick and easy filing of scam reports through a simple QR Code. These major initiatives are targeted to complement law enforcement efforts in addressing emerging cyber fraud and scams for more timely and coordinated action.

 

The PNP-ACG and GCash renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), first signed in 2022, which established a framework for cooperation on cybersecurity awareness, capability-building, and information sharing.

This reaffirms the shared commitment of both institutions to handle financial cybercrimes and to strengthen consumer protection amid the continued growth of digital payments.

“Financial technology continues to evolve, and with it, the methods used by cybercriminals,” said Miguel Geronilla, chief information and security officer at GCash. “We at GCash are honored to support the PNP-ACG in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcers through education. By sharing fintech-specific use cases, we aim to help build a more informed response force against digital financial threats.”

Supporting cyber defense frontliners across the country

The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook was created in partnership with GCash to complement the efforts of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and ACG personnel by outlining key trends and schemes in financial cybercrime. Specifically, the handbook features modules on cybersecurity frameworks, cybercrime laws, financial investigations, fintech systems, and cryptocurrency fundamentals, ensuring officers are better equipped to address today’s digital crime challenges.

“These initiatives are a collective step forward in our continuing effort to protect Filipinos in the digital space,” said Brig. Gen. Bernard R. Yang, director of the PNP-ACG. “Through strategic collaborations and timely learning tools, we are building a law enforcement force that is ready to address today’s emerging cyber threats.”

Other key officials present at the ceremonial event were PNP ACG chief investigative officer PCol Jay D. Guillermo, GCash chief information and security officer Miguel Geronilla, GCash public affairs manager Mabel M. Niala, and GCash external affairs manager Jerome C. Lantin.

The handbook will be rolled out to regional units via virtual assemblies and video modules, aligning with the PNP’s ongoing modernization strategy and the national government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NCSP sets the policy direction for a secure and resilient cyberspace in the Philippines.

This joint effort also comes on the heels of the recently released Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), a new law passed in July 2024 aimed at curbing online scams and fraudulent financial activities.

The AFASA targets key financial crimes such as social engineering scams and money muling, while also empowering institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to investigate suspicious financial activities. The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook seeks to help reinforce these regulatory updates by helping frontline police better understand and enforce provisions under AFASA.

Reporting scams made easier via QR

The event also marked the introduction of the Scam Assistance Hub (SAH), a new platform that simplifies scam reporting for the public.

The SAH QR code connects users to the GCash SAH website, a platform where victims of online scams can file police reports, receive assistance, and process documentation for claims under GCash’s Express Send Scam Insurance.

This initiative ensures a more coordinated response between the PNP-ACG and GCash in handling fraud complaints and supporting affected users.

Building a future-ready police force

These efforts complement the PNP-ACG’s broader public education and prevention campaigns designed to build digital literacy among both law enforcement and the general public.

“Technology will continue to evolve, and criminals will continue to adapt,” Brig. Gen. Yang added. “These initiatives will help in the long journey of strengthening our cyber defenses. What matters is that we are moving forward together with stronger capabilities, a clearer direction, and a deeper resolve.”

The group reminded that while the SAH QR Code is still being prepared for deployment,  any incidents of cybercrime and fraud can still be reported via the PNP-ACG’s hotline 1326 or via GCash’s app Help Center or through any of the official customer support channels. The public may also follow PNP-ACG’s official social media pages for updates on its ongoing efforts to fight cybercrime and promote digital security nationwide.