How to protect yourself from scams in the Philippines

Scams remain a concern in the Philippines as more people shop, communicate and make payments online. In 2025, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group recorded 1,525 online selling scam cases, making it the most commonly recorded scam type.¹ The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center’s (CICC) Cybercrime Complaint Center also received 18,633 complaints, with consumer fraud accounting for 35%.²

While scams can look different, many rely on the same tactics: urgency, trust or offers that sound too good to be true.

Knowing the warning signs can help you spot something suspicious before you act.

Common scams in the Philippines

Scams can take many forms. Here are some common ones to look out for.

Online selling and fake shop scams

Scammers may advertise heavily discounted or in-demand products on social media or online marketplaces. Online selling was the most commonly recorded scam type by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group in 2025.

Be cautious if a seller pressures you to pay directly or send a deposit to "reserve" an item. Check the seller and payment details before sending money.

Investment and task scams

Investment scams may promise unusually high or guaranteed returns. Task scams often promise easy online earnings, then ask you to deposit your own money to continue working or "unlock" your earnings.

If you're repeatedly asked to pay before you can withdraw your supposed earnings or returns, stop and check whether the opportunity is genuine.

Phishing through fake links and websites

Phishing scams use malicious links that lead to fake bank, government, delivery, online shopping or e-wallet websites. These pages are designed to steal your login or payment information.

Risky URLs detected in the Philippines rose from 13,602 in the first quarter of 2025 to 49,431 by the fourth quarter, according to the Philippine News Agency³

Check the URL carefully before entering any information, especially if the link came through an unexpected message.

Account hijacking and impersonation scams

Scammers may take over social media or messaging accounts and pretend to be someone you know. Others may impersonate banks, e-wallet providers or government agencies.

Never share passwords, PINs or one-time passcodes (OTPs). If someone you know unexpectedly asks for money, contact them another way before sending anything.

Fake delivery, loan and job scams

Scammers may offer jobs or loans, or claim there's a problem with a delivery, before asking you to pay an upfront or "processing" fee.

They may also ask to use your bank or e-wallet account to receive or transfer money. Don't let someone you don't trust use your account to move money.

How to protect yourself from scams

A few simple habits can help you spot suspicious requests before you act.

Slow down when you're being rushed

Urgency is a common scam tactic. If a seller says another buyer is waiting or pressures you to pay a deposit immediately, stop and check before sending money.

Verify the seller and payment details

Check the seller's profile, reviews and ratings where available.

Before paying, check that the recipient's name and amount match what you were expecting.

Keep your information private

Never share passwords, PINs or OTPs, including with someone claiming to work for your bank, e-wallet provider or another trusted organisation.

Use official channels and check links

Use official apps and websites when making payments or accessing financial services.

Check the URL before entering login or payment information, particularly if you received the link unexpectedly.

How Wise helps protect you

Wise uses security, monitoring and account controls to help protect customers and their accounts.

Transaction monitoring

Wise runs around 7 million checks a day on transactions — about 80 every second — using automatic monitoring to help identify suspicious activity.

Check before you send

Before confirming a transfer, Wise shows you who you're sending money to and the amount.

Take a moment to check these details before confirming your transfer.

Dedicated security teams and 24/7 support

Wise has dedicated anti-fraud specialists who monitor fraud and emerging threats.

If you need help, Wise customer support is available 24/7 through official support channels.

Account and card security

Wise also offers security features including:

• 2-factor authentication
• Transaction notifications
• The ability to freeze and unfreeze your Wise card
• Virtual cards for eligible customers
• Customisable account and card spending limits

Extra checks for riskier account changes

Wise has introduced additional security measures aligned with BSP requirements.

When you log in from a new device, some higher-risk actions may be subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period. This can include changing contact details, adding a new recipient or marking a recipient as trusted.

You can also set transfer limits to help control how much can be sent from your account.

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you think you've been targeted or your account may have been compromised, act quickly.

Secure your account

• Stop communicating with the suspected scammer
• Don't send more money or share further information
• Freeze your Wise card if your card details may have been compromised
• Keep relevant messages, screenshots and transaction details
• Contact Wise Support if your Wise account may be affected

Report it to Wise

In the Wise app, go to Get help and select "I was the victim of fraud or a scam".

Think you've been affected? Find out what to do if you may be a victim of fraud or a scam.

If you've received a suspicious email, message or link claiming to be from Wise, check how to spot and avoid phishing.

Under the Philippines' Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), submitting a malicious or fraudulent fraud report may carry criminal and civil liability.

Report it to the authorities

You can also report scams to:

• PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group:
  • Email: onlinecims.ocs@gmail.com
  • SMART: +63 968 867 4302
  • GLOBE: +63 967 136 0322
  • DITO: +63 992 989 3889
• NBI Cybercrime Division:
  • Email: ccd@nbi.gov.ph
  • Hotline: +63 2 8252 6228

Keep a copy of your police report. For some peso transfers, Wise may need a police report when attempting to recover funds.

Stay alert and check before you act

Scam tactics continue to change, but simple habits can help reduce your risk.

Slow down when someone pressures you to act. Check sellers and payment details, keep your passwords and OTPs private, and use official apps and websites.

If something doesn't feel right, stop and check before sending money or sharing information.

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Sources:

1. GMA News – PNP reports online selling as the most common cybercrime in 2025
2. GMA News – Consumer fraud topped cybercrime complaints in 2025, says CICC
3. Philippine News Agency – Phishing from risky URLs now top digital threat in PH