PNP, GCash warn the public vs ‘Task Scams’

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in cooperation with leading finance app GCash, has issued a warning against the rising threat of ‘Task Scams’, a fraudulent means to earn money with the false promise of fast returns due to its online nature. The PNP-ACG reveals that Task Scammers operate internationally and are nearly impossible to pursue beyond the country’s borders. GCash says that being aware of scammers’ methodology can help users avoid becoming victims of this crime.

Scammers randomly contact victims through popular messaging apps after their contact details are acquired from underground third-party sellers of private data. Scammers will then offer victims a job that involves completing menial tasks such as liking posts and videos. After the first instance, victims are paid immediately to win their trust. They are then added to a chat group with other scammers posing as investors to create a semblance of legitimacy. Once trapped in the seemingly harmless routine, victims are then repeatedly pressured into investing money to receive the rest of their earnings, which are usually made using a third-party app, website, or crypto, which they must link to finance apps. After a substantial amount has been acquired from the victims,  money is then transferred to another account, the links are deleted, and platforms are terminated.

The PNP-ACG also advised the public to be wary of unsolicited job offers, especially those promising high rewards for little effort. Legitimate job offers typically come from companies you have applied to or have previously interacted with. The public is advised to always verify the authenticity of callers and the company they represent.

Scammers have also been reported to operate from many different countries to avoid detection as well as to avoid arrest by law enforcers from the victim’s home country.

Since scammers are increasingly becoming more creative and coming up with new tactics to deceive, consumers are advised to follow the official social media pages of law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) social media pages as well as those of GCash, for regular information regarding scams and other fraudulent activities.

If you suspect that a potential scammer is contacting you, you may reach out to PNP-ACG hotline at (02) 8414-1560, mobile number at 0998-598-8116, or their email at [email protected].

To report scams and fraudulent activities, users can visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com 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 contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.

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