GCash Reminds Users to Stay Vigilant vs Scams Ahead of All Saints Day

As millions of Filipinos prepare to travel to their respective provinces for All Saints Day, GCash is urging the public to stay alert against online scams and fraud that can exploit the travel rush, distractions, and last-minute arrangements during the occasion. 

“The safety of our users remains  top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and empower users to recognize and avoid scams, especially during peak travel periods.” said Miguel Geronilla, GCash Chief Information Security Officer.

With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of
users through fraudulent promos and deceptive messages. GCash shares tell-tale signs of the most common scams to watch out for:

Spoofing
Links sent via SMS or messenger apps may lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. Malicious QR codes can also redirect users to fraudulent payment portals. During Undas, when messaging activity surges, even seemingly authentic messages can hide these threats. Users are advised to be extra vigilant.

Thread hijacking 
Authorities have reported scam messages appearing inside legitimate SMS conversation threads, making them look authentic. This tactic underscores why users should never trust a sender’s name alone. Always double-check and verify before sending money or payments.

Activate In-app OTP
Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering “account verification” or “cashback.” GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. For added protection, users are encouraged to turn on in-app OTP, which generates one-time passwords directly inside the GCash app instead of relying on SMS.

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.

Take charge of your account security with GCash Security Center

The new in-app GCash Security Center gives users direct control over protecting their accounts, funds, and transactions against scams, fraud, and unauthorized access. The centralized hub also features user-controlled safeguards: Lock My Account, which allows users to immediately freeze their accounts and block outgoing transactions even if their phones are lost or compromised; Money Lock via GSave, which secures funds by separating them from money available for everyday transactions; and Subscription Center, which enables users to review and disconnect merchants or apps linked to their accounts to prevent unwanted future payments.

Take advantage of scam protection insurance
  
Because fraudsters attempt to exploit users’ vulnerabilities, GCash users can add another layer of financial protection by availing of Scam Protection Insurance through GInsure. Underwritten by CHUBB Philippines, policy coverage is up to ₱15,000 for eligible losses arising from covered scams, including social engineering, account takeover, and online shopping fraud. For as low as ₱20 per month with the new auto-renew feature, eligible users can gain added peace of mind with additional financial protection against covered fraudulent transactions, subject to policy terms and conditions. Because GInsure Scam Protection Insurance is an insurance policy, money lost to covered scam incidents is paid by the insurance underwriter, and not taken from the GCash wallet of the recipient.

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.

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.

By staying informed and alert, travelers can protect themselves from fraud and focus on spending time with their families this Undas.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

GCash Strengthens User Support Through Official Help Channels and Security Features

As digital financial services become essential to daily life, GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp, continues to strengthen its commitment to user security by streamlining its support channels

 

To help users navigate concerns such as unauthorized transactions, account takeovers, scams, and “wrong send” errors, GCash provides clear and accessible reporting tools designed to enable faster resolution. By knowing exactly where to seek help, users can better protect their accounts and minimize financial risks in an increasingly cashless ecosystem.

 

Built-in support channels and security safeguards

GCash provides a range of official help channels designed to address different types of concerns. Inside the app, users can access in-app guides that offer step-by-step instructions for common issues. The GCash Help Center also serves as a central hub where users can find articles, submit requests, and report concerns.

 

For transaction-related concerns, the transaction history feature allows users to review details and identify discrepancies. Error notifications within the app also help flag failed or suspicious activities, prompting users to take action when needed.

 

Users seeking direct support can connect with Gigi, the chat agent in the Help Center which serves as the primary channel for account-related concerns. Through Gigi, users can report lost SIM cards or phones, request transfer of funds, and apply for wallet limit upgrades, with guided steps to help resolve these cases quickly.

 

For more complex concerns, live agent support is available to handle cases that require deeper investigation, such as unauthorized transactions or account takeovers. Users can get in touch with these agents by calling the official GCash Help Center hotline at 2882.

 

These support channels are structured based on the level of concern. Simple issues can often be resolved through guides and self-service tools, while more sensitive cases are escalated to trained support agents. This approach helps ensure that users receive the right level of assistance without unnecessary delays.

 

Alongside this support ecosystem are security features built into the GCash app that give users an added layer of protection. Account Secure limits account access to one device at a time. DoubleSafe adds an extra verification step that requires selfie scans to confirm the user’s identity, especially for high-risk activities such as logging in to a new device and high-value transactions. Biometrics Login and MPIN Protection confirm that only the account owner can authorize transactions, while One-Time Passwords (OTP) provide an additional check for sensitive actions.

 

A shared effort to keep digital financing safe

Beyond its in-app security features and help channels, GCash also works closely with regulators and law enforcement agencies such as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and PH Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) to detect and act on fraud. GCash has blocked more than 4,900 fraudulent merchants linked to quishing or QR phishing schemes, reflecting the scale of its enforcement efforts.

 

The company continues to strengthen its customer experience by refining support tools and reducing response times. Enhancements are regularly introduced to make it easier for users to report concerns and track the status of their requests.

 

"Resolving a concern quickly starts with going to the right channel. We have built our support system so that users can find the help they need, whether it is a simple guide in the app or a conversation with a live agent,” said Paul Velasquez, GCash AVP and Head of Customer Service Operations.

 

GCash also encourages users to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately through official support channels. The company advises transacting only through official GCash channels and verifying website URLs before completing any payment. No one from GCash will ever ask for an OTP, MPIN, or password.

 

Suspicious activity can be reported through the GCash Help Center in the app or by going to help.gcash.com and submitting a ticket. Users can also call the official hotline at 2882 to speak to a live agent.

For more information on account safety and available support, visit www.gcash.com.