GCash Urges Vigilance Against Online Scams and Fraud this Holy Week

The country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash, is reminding users to stay vigilant and take simple yet meaningful steps to protect themselves from scams and fraud this Holy Week.

As more users go online, GCash encourages everyone to remain vigilant—particularly against scams that take advantage of vulnerable users, as well as government subsidy payouts, such as the fuel subsidy program of LTFRB and the DSWD.

GCash shares simple steps to help users stay #GSafeTayo:

1.     Be aware of fake fuel vouchers from “DSWD” or any government agency

Scammers exploit any crisis with spoofing and phishing scams. For instance, users may receive text messages that appear to come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), asking them to claim an "e-fuel voucher" by clicking a link that leads to a phishing website. The DSWD has confirmed these are scams. They will never distribute assistance through unsolicited texts containing clickable links.

 

2.               Watch out for spoofed messages and suspicious links

Never click links sent via SMS or third-party messaging apps. Scams can arrive via SMS, email, or chat apps. Be wary of "phishing" traps, such as "free" offers.

3.               Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks

Increasingly sophisticated tactics are compromising even the most vigilant users. Malicious hotspots in high-traffic areas like airports can silently intercept sensitive data; therefore, refrain from accessing financial accounts or entering credentials while on public connections.

4.               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.

 

Follow additional safety practices

 

1.     Ignore unexpected calls or meeting invites about account or ID verification. If pressured to act fast, hang up or decline immediately.

2.     Never share your OTP, MPIN, passwords, or screen during logins or transactions.

3.     Do not download apps from links sent by email or text: use the official Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.

 

Report suspicious activity and stay informed

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash actively monitors and blocks suspicious activity, takes down reported scam links and accounts, and works closely with law enforcement and government agencies to protect the public.

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

The GCash app is available for free on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

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

GCash reminds the public that online safety remains a shared responsibility. Enjoy the break, and stay alert to have a peaceful and a #GSafeTayo Holy Week.

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Quirino Promotes Mental Health Awareness through PLDT and Smart’s #BetterToday Program

In partnership with PLDT and Smart, the Provincial Government of Quirino recently held a mental health awareness summit with students and government employees from the province of Quirino.  Advocating mental health awareness in communities, PLDT Group featured mental health professionals, including Riyan Portuguez (“Your Millennial Psychologist”), doctor and podcaster Dr. Gia Sison, and popular content creator Macoy Dubs.

“We are grateful to our partners from PLDT and Smart for bringing this mental health awareness summit to Quirino. This is an important initiative that aims to shed light on the importance of taking care of our mental health. By providing this space to talk about mental health and wellness, we are able to destigmatize these important matters and are able to share the message that there is hope,” said Provincial Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” E. Cua.

“With our Better Today program, we aim to provide a safe space for everyone to create and spark inter-generational conversations on mental health and wellness. As a community platform, Better Today strengthens the vision of togetherness and camaraderie – and how, in every way, it becomes an important reminder that you are not alone. This is a key part of our advocacy in PLDT and Smart to provide a safe, inclusive space for everyone, to help enhance the positive impacts of technology in the lives of Filipino people,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Communications.

The summit enabled the participants to process the lessons learned during the breakout sessions. They were also given an opportunity to engage with Portuguez by asking their questions on mental health-related topics, including self-care, managing and regulating strong emotions, and creating healthy habits to enhance one’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Promoting digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3 that stands for good health and well-being.