GCash Blocked 6700 Illegal Gambling Sites Using QRPH

As QRPh continues to transform the way Filipinos pay for everyday purchases, scammers are also evolving their tactics to exploit the country's growing reliance on QR-based transactions. To help keep digital payments safe, GCash has intensified its efforts against fraudulent merchants and fake payment pages, blocking over 6,700 suspicious accounts linked to QRPh-related scams while continuing to educate users on how to identify and avoid emerging threats.

How scammers exploit QRPh payments

Fraud monitoring teams at GCash have flagged a sharp rise in schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QRPh codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

Some cases also involve fraudulent QRPh codes being embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. This results in users unknowingly sending money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

Protecting QRPh ecosystem through stronger enforcement

As QRPh-related scams continue to evolve, GCash has strengthened its enforcement measures to protect users against quishing and other QRPh-based scams.

Suspicious wallets linked to fraudulent QRPh activity are immediately blocked, preventing scammers from receiving stolen payments through the platform. Fake websites impersonating official GCash payment pages are likewise identified and escalated for takedown, while incident reports are submitted to PH Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) and relevant government authorities to support further investigation and enforcement.

These efforts form part of GCash's broader collaboration with government agencies, including the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to disrupt scam networks, strengthen consumer protection, and preserve trust in the country's digital payments ecosystem.

"Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics alongside digital payments, and we are equally committed to staying ahead of these threats," said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. "By proactively blocking suspicious accounts, flagging fraudulent payment pages, and reporting these activities to regulators and law enforcement, we help stop these schemes before they can affect more Filipinos."

Geronilla added, "Protecting users is at the core of our platform. We have zero tolerance for those who exploit digital financial services, and we will continue to strengthen our safeguards while working hand in hand with government and industry partners to keep the country's digital payments ecosystem safe and secure."

Protect yourself from QRPh-related scams

As scams become more sophisticated, GCash urges users to remain vigilant and practice safe digital habits when using QR-based payments:

 

l  Always check the website URL before making payments and ensure it matches official GCash domains

l  Verify the merchant name displayed before confirming any transaction

l  Avoid transacting with suspicious or unverified sites

l  Be cautious of QR codes from unknown or untrusted sources

l  Report suspicious links or payment requests through the GCash Help Center

 

Users are strongly encouraged to verify merchant names and payment URLs before completing transactions and to immediately stop any transaction that appears suspicious.

Keeping digital payments safe for every Filipino
GCash reaffirms its commitment to protecting users and maintaining the integrity of the country’s digital payments ecosystem. Through proactive detection, continuous monitoring, and strong collaboration with regulators and law enforcement, the platform continues to strengthen its defenses against emerging threats.

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.

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com.

GCash Cracks Down on Online Task Scammers, Intensifies Anti-Fraud Campaign

GCash is intensifying its efforts against task scams and other forms of social engineering fraud as digital scam syndicates become increasingly sophisticated across the country.

 

Task scams often involve fraudsters posing as recruiters, merchants, or online platforms that promise easy earnings in exchange for completing simple online tasks. Victims are later manipulated into transferring funds under the false promise of higher commissions or withdrawals.

 

To help you stay safe, remember:

·       Mind the "Unsolicited" Invite: Professional recruiters typically use official platforms. Be cautious of job offers that arrive unexpectedly via email, SMS, or cold call offers.

·       Credentials Matter: Authentic employers are interested in your skills and will usually ask for a CV or a brief interview. If an offer requires "no experience" and "no resume," it’s best to verify the source.

·       Your Money Should Stay with You: Legitimate jobs pay you for your work. A major red flag is when you are asked to "top up" or “upfront payments” or make a deposit to unlock higher-tier tasks or "premium" commissions.

·       Simple Withdrawal Access: You should be able to access your earnings without hurdles. Be wary of platforms that force you to complete a specific "set" or "cycle" of tasks before allowing you to withdraw your funds.

·       Official Communication Only: Look for emails from company domains (e.g., @companyname.com). Official business is rarely conducted through generic @gmail.com or @yahoo.com addresses.

·       Keep Your Account Private: Your MPIN and One-Time Password (OTP) are your digital keys. GCash will never ask for these via call, SMS, email, or social media.

·       Your GCash account is for your personal use only: Do not let others use your GCash account for any transaction, and do not use the GCash account of other people as well.

·       Trust Your Instincts: If an offer promises unusually high pay for very little effort, it is often a sign to take a step back and investigate further.

 

GCash continues to strengthen its scam and fraud prevention efforts

·       Fraud Monitoring Systems & Proactive Wallet Blocking: Since 2025 to date, GCash reported closing over 3.3 million scam-linked wallets. When a user reports a scam, the receiving wallet is often part of a larger network that GCash can identify and shut down.

·       Coordination and Partnerships with Law Enforcement: GCash continues to work closely with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other regulators to strengthen our ecosystem.

 

If you encounter a suspicious task offer or transaction, reporting it helps protect the whole community. You can reach out through these official channels:

 

GCash Official Support:

·       In-App Help Center: Call via 2882 (toll free) or submit a ticket in-app Help Center or chat with Gigi 24/7 for immediate assistance.

Government Cybercrime Support Channels:

·       PNP-ACG Hotline: (02) 8723 0401 (loc 7491) | 0968 867 4302

·       PNP-ACG Email: messagecenter.acg@pnp.gov.ph

·       CICC Hotline: 1326

·       NBI Cybercrime Division: ccd@nbi.gov.ph

 

We recognize the distress caused by online scams and continue to improve customer protection measures and response protocols amid the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

 

Together, through vigilance, awareness, and ecosystem-wide cooperation, we can help combat online fraud and protect the digital financial community.

Love May be Blind, but Trust Shouldn’t be: GCash Strengthens Consumer Protection Efforts Against Love Scams

GCash continues to step up its security systems and awareness campaigns as part of its thrust in consumer protection. The initiative aligns with advisories from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

 

Authorities say love scams remain one of the most common online fraud schemes, where criminals build and take advantage of emotional connections before asking for money. Recent data from the CICC show 123 love scam complaints in 2025, with 18 cases recorded in January 2026 alone. Cases usually increase during the love month as scammers become more active.

 

Common signs of romance/love scams

Government advisories highlight several warning signs:

 

·        Sudden requests for money under the guise of emergencies, travel, or medical needs

·        Refusal to meet in person or join live video calls

·        Profiles with overly polished or unrealistic photos

·        Persistent pressure to send money or invest in unfamiliar platforms

Authorities remind the public to be extra vigilant, verify identities, and avoid sending money to people they have only met online.

 

Investing in prevention and user protection

To help stop scams before they happen, GCash continues to invest in technology, partnerships, and user education. The company works closely with the DICT, CICC, PNP-ACG, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support investigations and public awareness efforts.

 

On the platform, GCash maintains several layers of protection, including:

·        Verified user identities through strict KYC processes

·        Real-time fraud monitoring

·        Account security features such as PINs, OTPs, and device checks

·        Confirmation prompts when sending money to a new contact or recipient

·        In-app advisories on common scam tactics

Users can also report suspicious activity through the app’s Help Center or official customer support channels.

 

“Love scams often rely on emotional manipulation rather than technical attacks,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at Mynt, parent company of GCash. “We continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with government agencies, but users should always verify before sending money to someone they only know online,” he added.

 

Government advisories also note that senior citizens are among the most targeted groups, making awareness and platform safeguards even more important.

 

Through continued investments in security, partnerships, and public education, GCash aims to create a safer digital financial experience for Filipinos, making cybersecurity a top priority for GCash, our partners, and regulators.

 

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

 

PNP, GCash Nab Online seller for Sextortion

The Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with GCash, has recently arrested a suspect who was using his online selling business to gain access to a victim’s private photos or videos for ‘sextortion’, an act of extorting money by threatening to expose sensitive materials.

The PNP identified the suspect as Ronald Hipol, 54, an online seller from Victoria Homes, Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa. Hipol used a social media account under the name ‘Jerry Kantar’ to threaten the victim that he would circulate her sensitive videos unless she paid him P10,000. Hipol also managed to infiltrate the  social media account of the victim’s father-in-law, to whom he sent the same threatening messages.

Unfortunately for the suspect, the victim’s husband is a police officer who immediately coordinated with his fellow law enforcers and GCash to track him down by luring him into receiving his money via e-wallet which led  to  the hunt down and arrest Hipol.

With millions of users and the end goal of financial inclusion, Gcash prioritizes the online safety of its users. While the country’s No. 1 finance super app continues to cooperate with law enforcement authorities against scammers and fraudsters, it also promotes public awareness of these cybercriminal activities so that users know how to avoid them. GCash is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

GCash is also urging its users to be extra vigilant of online scammers and fraudsters. When making transactions on the app, users are reminded never to disclose their MPIN or OTP. With the rise in phishing incidents, users are strongly advised never to click links, especially from unknown senders.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or message Gigi on the website and type, “I want to report a scam.” GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.