Don’t Get Fooled! 12 Online Scams in the Philippines to Watch Out For in 2024

Online scams in the Philippines remain widespread, with scammers using various tactics to deceive people and steal their money. The Filipino online community faces constant risks from email schemes, fraud, and investment scams.

Navigating the digital space requires vigilance and caution to stay safe. As the saying goes, "walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko."

Online scams are increasingly common, with scammers posing as legitimate businesses through fake ads on e-commerce sites, social media, or fraudulent websites that mimic trusted brands. If you're unsure what these scams look like or may have encountered them before, here are 12 online scams to watch out for!

The rise of online shopping has also led to an increase in scams. Customers are often tricked into paying for non-existent products, only to find out their money is gone and no item will be delivered. Scammers make their fake offers seem genuine, and in many cases, you may receive a fake or completely different product from what you ordered.

These days, online investment scams are everywhere, especially on Facebook, luring people into fake money lending or financing schemes. Scammers promise high returns, like 12% weekly or 48% monthly, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Card skimming, also known as data skimming, involves copying your bank account information from the magnetic stripe on your ATM or credit card. Scammers use illegal devices to steal this data, then create a cloned card to access your account for transactions like withdrawals and transfers. They may also use your stolen details to commit identity fraud, borrowing money or taking out loans in your name without your knowledge.

The "palit SIM" scam, or SIM swapping, is a growing online fraud in the country. Scammers pose as legitimate mobile subscribers or authorized representatives to request a SIM card replacement from your telecom provider. They then use the SIM to access personal information, including bank and credit card details. Another tactic involves scammers pretending to be telco agents offering a SIM card "upgrade" to improve your network connection. Once they gather the necessary information, they reset your online banking credentials and transfer money to anonymous digital wallets.

Have you ever received an email from your bank asking to confirm your account by clicking a link? That's email phishing. Scammers trick you into entering personal details like your password and credit card info on a fake website that mimics a legitimate one. They then use this information to perform unauthorized transactions.

This is somehow similar to email phishing. Scammers will send you an SMS and let you click or download a malicious link that would require you to provide your personal information.

Scammers create email messages with a forged sender address. They usually disguise as legitimate banks, newspapers, company, and the like. Spoofing contains fake offers, asking for a person’s password, OTP, and other personal information.

Many of us have encountered lottery scams: emails, letters, or texts claiming you've won money or prizes in a contest you never entered. To avoid these scams, never share personal information or make payments to claim a “prize.”

Always verify the legitimacy of the source, and remember—you can't win a lottery you didn't enter.

A money mule transfers illegally obtained money. Scammers recruit mules to move funds through bank accounts, in cash, or by other means. To avoid this, beware of emails or messages from unknown people, requests to receive and transfer money, or job offers asking you to use your bank account for company funds.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your information to gain financial benefits or credit in your name. Stolen information can lead to unpaid bills, fraudulent transactions, and drained bank accounts. To avoid this, always verify the legitimacy of any communication and ensure it’s from a trusted source. As the saying goes, “lamang ang may alam.”

Scammers might also play with your emotions, attempting a romance scam to manipulate you to get what they want. They commonly use fake profiles on legit dating apps and put in effort to gain your trust, sometimes even through months of conversation. 

Their goal is to lower your guard. Once they feel you’re invested, they’ll subtly ask for money, claiming financial troubles, illness, or a serious accident. Don’t fall for it!

Investment scams target those seeking quick profits. Don’t be swayed by flashy marketing or fake success stories—once you invest, scammers often vanish. Always research thoroughly, especially with online or social media offers, to protect your hard-earned money.

Common scams include: fake lending companies, Bitcoin scams, paid-to-click schemes, and offshore stock trading.

Home Credit aims to ensure that its client won’t be a victim to any of these online scams by providing reminders and notifications from time to time. Make sure to read those to prevent yourself from getting scammed.

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