GCash Highlights Cybersecurity at Dinagyang Festival

By Mariela Angella Oladive

GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet platform, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity during a roundtable discussion and meet-and-greet held on January 23 as part of the Dinagyang Festival 2025 in Iloilo City.

The event focused on safeguarding digital transactions against rising cybercrime threats and featured key speakers, including Lt. Wallen Arancillo of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

Arancillo stressed the need for public vigilance to combat cyber threats effectively.

“What we do is cyber patrolling and surveillance. Consumers should always be mindful of their surroundings and remain cautious. Be wary of individuals soliciting money and sharing personal details. Avoid clicking suspicious links or answering calls from strangers, especially those asking for one-time pins (OTPs),” she said.

She also urged the public to secure loans only from legitimate sources and emphasized the role of education in empowering consumers to detect and prevent cyber fraud.

Arancillo outlined common cyber fraud schemes, including:

• Substandard Items Scam: A legitimate seller delivers a substandard product to the buyer.
• Middleman Scam: Fraudsters posing as intermediaries deceive both buyers and sellers.
• Rider Scam: Delivery riders steal items ordered by buyers.

GCash External Affairs Manager Jerome Lantin highlighted the platform’s Customer Protect feature, which aims to enhance user security.

“Here in GCash, our customers’ security is our priority. Through the Customer Protect program, unauthorized transactions will not hold users liable, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. We employ advanced risk management to analyze and prevent fraudulent activities and provide fund insurance for proven cases of unauthorized transactions,” Lantin explained.

However, Lantin clarified that cases involving swindling, where users willingly transfer money to fraudulent sellers, and instances where users share their MPIN or OTP, are not covered by the program.

“GCash representatives will never ask for your MPIN or OTP. Sharing these details authorizes a transaction and puts your account at risk,” reiterated Mabel Niala, GCash Public Affairs Manager.

Both GCash and PNP-ACG called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

The PNP-ACG can be contacted through the Police Regional Office 6 Anti-Cybercrime Unit in Camp Crame or via their verified Facebook page, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.

GCash users can report concerns through the following channels:

• Email: support@gcash.com
• Hotline: GCash Customer Care
• Help Portal: help.gcash.com
• In-person: GCash service centers