BASAHIN: How to Avoid 5 Common Holiday Spending Scams

For the most of us, holiday season is a time of joy, gifts, and gatherings — but for scammers, it’s open season. Every year, thousands of Filipinos fall victim to holiday spending scams so sneaky and believable that victims don’t even realize they’ve been tricked until after their money disappears. If you think “Hindi ako magpapabiktima diyan,” think again. These scammers adapt faster especially in today’s digital era.  

Here’s what you must watch out for, and how to protect yourself before your Christmas budget becomes someone else’s bonus 

Mag-ingat and huwag magpagamit! Mas creative na ang scammers ngayon. Isa sa bagong modus ay ang pag-convert ng Home Credit Product Loan o HCQWARTA mo into cash. Bibiliin nila ang device mo kapalit ng cash — minsan pa, mas mataas pa sa presyo. Pero tandaan: kahit matapos ang transaksyon, IKAW pa rin ang legal na may obligasyong magbayad, hindi sila.  

How to Avoid: 

Always ignore suspicious offers. Makipag-transact lamang sa mga legitimate loan providers. Engaging in “Home Credit Product Loan to Cash” or “HCQWARTA to Cash” schemes is also against the law at maari kang makasuhan.

Ito na siguro ang pinaka-classic, pero every year dumadami pa rin ang nabibiktima. Scammers love creating online shops that look exactly like legitimate ones — complete with product photos, fake reviews, and ratings. Pero once magbayad ka? Wala na. Parang yung 13th month pay mo lang. Some warning signs to look out for is if the online store has no physical address, uses a suspicious URL, doesn’t have an “About Us” section or if their prices are too good to be true. 

How to Avoid: 

Stick to verified platforms. Always do you research before purchasing from an online store. 

Malambot ang puso ng mga Pinoy tuwing Pasko — and scammers take advantage of that kindness. From “medical emergencies,” fake orphanages, hanggang bogus calamity fundraisers — lahat ‘yan gawa gawa lang. 

How to Avoid: 

Verify the organization by asking detailed information about them. Legit groups have official social media channels, receipts, websites, and clear contact details. Kung ayaw magbigay ng proof, that’s your sign to run.  

“FREE Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra! Share this post to win!” 

Mag-share ka lang, may bagong phone ka na? Walang kahirap-hirap! But these giveaways are almost always bait — designed to steal your information, your identity, or your money. Kayang gumawa ng mga scammers ng mga pages na mukhang totoong real brands, at saka sila manghihingi ng mga IDs, personal details, or small “processing fees.” 

How to Avoid: 

Check the page creation date, verification badge, and legitimacy of older posts. Real companies don’t ask for money before giving prizes. 

Alam mo ‘yung text na: “Your package is on hold. Click this link to claim.” 

Grabe maka-panic, ‘di ba? Pero that panic is exactly the trap. Once you click that link, mapupunta ka sa phishing site na kukunin ang personal info mo — and boom, goodbye bank account. 

How to Avoid: 

Never click links from unknown numbers. Ang mga legit couriers hindi nagpapadala ng clickable links through SMS. Always check your order history through official apps.  

This Christmas, wag mong hayaan na mapunta sa scammers ang pinaghirapan mong savings o di kaya ang 13th month pay mo. One careless click or action is all it takes. Stay alert mga Ka-HC, at maging matalino sa tuwing makakakita ng deal, promo, or gift online.  

If you’re looking for authentic gadgets and appliances from trusted brands this Christmas, shop via Home Credit easy installments and enjoy 0% interest, no downpayment, and flexible terms for up to 24 months with their #TheGreatDoubleZEROFestival promo! Download the Home Credit App to know more.