SEC brings BSP, Fuse Financing Inc., and PNP-ACG together to combat unsafe lending and strengthen public protection for Investor Protection Week 2025

The SEC gathered key institutions including the BSP, Fuse Financing Inc., and the PNP-ACG for Investor Protection Week 2025 to strengthen public protection against unsafe lending and fraudulent investment schemes. With scams becoming more aggressive and unregulated lenders preying on students, employees, and everyday earners, this year’s event focused on building financial literacy, critical thinking, and responsible borrowing among Filipinos.

Through panels, workshops, and the launch of the SEC Academy, experts emphasized one message: informed decision-making is the strongest defense against fraud. By learning how to spot red flags, understand interest rates, and choose licensed financial partners, Filipinos can protect themselves and make smarter financial moves in an increasingly digital world.

PNP ACG, CICC, GCash remind users to stay alert vs scams ahead of Undas 2025

As millions of Filipinos prepare to travel and pay respects this Undas, GCash reminds everyone to stay safe—both on the road and online. Scammers often take advantage of the holiday rush through fake texts, chats, and spoofed messages pretending to be from GCash.

GCash urges users to stay alert, never click suspicious links, and keep MPINs and OTPs private. Always transact only through the official GCash app or verified channels to avoid falling victim to scams this Undas.  Stay vigilant and make your remembrance trip worry-free!

PNP-ACG ramps up cyber defense training with leading PH finance super app

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash are joining forces once again to fight digital financial crimes. The renewed partnership introduced the Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the Scam Assistance Hub, a new QR-based platform that makes it easier for Filipinos to report online scams and fraud.

These initiatives reinforce both organizations’ shared goal of protecting consumers, empowering law enforcers through fintech education, and promoting safer digital transactions across the country.

PNP-ACG and GCash target cybercriminals in joint social media patrols

GCash and PNP-ACG are stepping up the fight against cybercrime.

In a joint effort to protect digital spaces, multiple suspects have been apprehended for crimes including child trafficking and the illegal sale of pre-registered SIM cards—key enablers of online scams and exploitation.

Through undercover operations, victims were rescued, and violators were charged under key laws like the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, SIM Registration Act, and Cybercrime Prevention Act.

GCash reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of its users and the integrity of cashless transactions. Together with law enforcement, it continues to build a secure, trusted digital finance ecosystem.

Stay vigilant. Report suspicious activity. Let’s protect our online community.

PNP-ACG, GCash alert public on emerging shoulder surfing, video- and screen-sharing scams

Stay alert, stay #GSafeTayo!

GCash and PNP-ACG remind everyone to think twice before clicking unfamiliar links or giving out personal info. Spot phishing attempts via fake emails, texts, or calls—when in doubt, report it immediately.

Report fraud to 1326 or through the GCash Help Center and help keep the digital space safe for all.

PNP-ACG marks 12th anniversary, reinforces cyber resilience commitment with GCash support

As the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) celebrates 12 years of safeguarding the nation’s digital space, it’s also strengthening its call for a more cyber-resilient Philippines. With the theme “Empowering the Online Community towards a Cyber Resilient Environment,” the PNP-ACG’s latest summit gathered top stakeholders, law enforcers, and advocates in a unified front against digital threats.

Longtime partner GCash reaffirmed its commitment to cybersecurity and youth protection, taking part in the summit’s key discussions and awareness efforts. As scams and online threats continue to evolve, partnerships like this show that protecting our digital future takes all of us.

Your Posts Could Last Forever—#BeCyberSmart Tips to Outsmart Online Predators

Nothing lasts forever… except your online posts!

PLDT and Smart are helping students #BeCyberSmart by sharing simple tips on how to stay safe online and avoid oversharing.

GCash supports the NPC to boost data privacy protection and consumer education

GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, has signed an agreement with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to enhance data privacy awareness and provide data privacy-related educational resources across the Philippines in support of the Commission’s mandates. In line with its mission to provide secure and accessible financial solutions, GCash aims to inform and educate its users on data privacy by utilizing the app’s features to effectively reach more Filipinos.

PNP-ACG, GCash tap Panagbenga Festivities to create awareness on safe and secure digital transactions

As thousands of tourists flocked to the Philippines’ summer capital for the famous Panagbenga flower festival, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and leading finance super app GCash teamed up to educate festival-goers on the importance of learning and identifying phishing tactics to keep transactions safe.

#GSafeTayo

Spoofing, ginagamit ng mga scammer para magpanggap na lehitimong institution tulad ng mga bangko, e-wallet, at telecommunications providers

Ikaw ba ay nakakatanggap ng mga mensahe o text na mula umano sa mga bangko, e-wallet (tulad ng “Maya” o  “GCash”) o telecommunications providers at nang-eenganyo na pindutin ang nilalamang link nito?

CICC, GCash nagbabala ukol sa mga fake messages

GCash, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC),addresses the growing problem of bogus social media channels claiming to be GCash and spreading phishing links that lead to account takeovers and theft.

PNP arrests fake online meat supplier with support from GCash

An online meat supplier is facing charges of swindling and estafa for allegedly using a false identity and running away with the P12,173 payment for undelivered supplies. Police operatives were able to arrest the suspect with the help of the leading finance app GCash.

PNP, GCash nab 4 police officers for robbery and extortion

Four uniformed personnel from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were recently arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP), aided by the popular finance app GCash,  following complaints reported by detainees of alleged robbery and extortion in exchange for their release without charges.

Global Law Enforcers Seek Trend Micro’s Help in Taking Down Top Ransomware Threat Group LockBit

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today revealed its critical role in helping global law enforcement partners disrupt mega-ransomware group LockBit, and kill the viability of its long-term malware plans. Through undercover infiltration, Trend helped prevent the release of the group’s next malware products and automatically installed protection for Trend Micro customers, even before the group themselves had finished testing.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Robert McArdle, a leader in Trend Micro’s cybercrime research team and collaborator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National Crime Agency (NCA), said: “We are honored that our threat intelligence is uniquely valuable to global law enforcement in the shared mission to make the world safer.”

This group was responsible for about 25 percent* of all ransomware leaks in 2023 and caused billions of dollars in losses for thousands of global victims over the past four years. Due to the potential damage that this group can cause, the Philippine National Police (PNP) last year warned Filipinos about LockBit and recommended several cyber hygiene practices to avoid becoming a victim to the group.

McArdle continued, “Last week Trend secured global Microsoft users from a critical vulnerability and this week we were a part of dethroning the most critical threat actor group in the world. Now, insiders aren’t naïve enough to assume this will eliminate the crime group, but we know that no sane criminal would want to be involved with this group again.”

Details from behind the scenes are unfolding and include cryptocurrency seizure, arrests, indictments, imposing sanctions and additional technical support for victims. The operation took over LockBit’s leak site, disclosing information and personal identities of group members and details of their previous works. These actions essentially make the group unwelcome and untrusted in the cybercrime world—and therefore unviable as an underground business.

Ransomware is one of the most serious cyber threats facing organizations today, known for disrupting schools, hospitals, governments, and businesses and imperiling critical national infrastructure. It does all of this while lining the pockets of a few small cybercrime groups: last year, victims paid over $1 billion to these groups and their affiliates, a record figure.

This work ultimately supported the following outcomes:

• Trend’s delivery of protection in advance against LockBit-NG-Dev for its customers.
• The neutralization of a potentially prolific strain of ransomware—preventing its use in future enterprises these actors may look to run.
• A law enforcement operation that will hopefully see the end of LockBit as we know it and sets a new benchmark for international collaboration across law enforcement and private partners.

While LockBit was, without doubt, the largest and most impactful Ransomware operation globally, this disruption makes it very clear that all criminal affiliates should strongly reconsider any involvement with them in the future and that in partnering with this organization, these associates have put themselves at increased risk of law enforcement action.

A blog covering the findings from Trend’s analysis of the next version of LockBit ransomware malware was issued by NCA and can be accessed here: https://research.trendmicro.com/lockbit-blog.

*Based on Trend Micro analysis and tracking of ransomware leak sites, LockBit accounted for approximately 25 percent of all ransomware leaks in 2023.

EastWest’s cyber security expert recognized by PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) First Vice President and Chief Information Security & Data Protection Officer (CISO & DPO), Manuel Joey A. Regala, was recently recognized for his “invaluable support and contribution to the attainment of the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP–ACG)’s mission towards a safer cyber environment.” 

PNP ACG ADVISORY: Be Safe During this Yuletide Season

Philippine National Police shares timely tips as the holidays are fast approaching. Everyone is busy attending Christmas parties and buying gifts for their loved ones. During this time of festivities, we usually see increase in activities especially in the use of ATMs, online shopping, use of credit and debit cards as well as online banking.