According to the State of Scams in the Philippines 2025 Report, over 60% of Filipinos have been targeted by online scams at least once, and the number keeps climbing.
What are the most common online scams in the Philippines?
- Shopping fraud, where fake online stores offer iPhones or sneakers at suspiciously low prices, then disappear after receiving payment.
- Investment schemes that promise quick returns on crypto, forex, or trading apps that don’t exist.
- Fake job postings and loan offers that ask for processing fees upfront, then vanish.
- Phishing attacks that arrive via SMS or email, pretending to be from your bank or a government agency, and ask you to click a link and enter a password.
Red flags and how scams work
The first trick scammers use is emotional manipulation. If someone creates a sense of urgency — “limited slots,” “offer expires today,” “your account will be locked” — they’re likely trying to deceive you.
Another sign: they target personal situations, such as visa issues, difficulty sending money home, homesickness, isolation, or existing debts. For example, job scammers track down those who are desperate for income. Romance fraudsters pick loners and spend weeks building trust before asking for “help” with medical bills or visa fees.
Practical tips to stay safe online
- Verify the sender before you pay or share information. If a company contacts you, go to the official website or app instead of clicking their links. When in doubt, check registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Use secure payment methods whenever possible. Choose regulated institutions that hold BSP and EPFS licenses and are fully compliant with the existing regulations in the industry. Salmon Financing is one of these.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers. No legitimate bank, government agency, or company will ever ask for your password, PIN, or OTP via SMS or email. If someone claims to be from these organizations, hang up and call their official number to verify.
- Talk to family or friends before making big financial decisions. Scammers count on you acting alone. A quick conversation can help you spot red flags you might miss.
A few more things to keep in mind:
- Check URLs — fake websites often have typos like “banko-ng-pilipinas.com” instead of the real government domain.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your banking, email, and social media accounts.
- Report suspicious activity to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group or the National Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime Division.
Awareness is your best defense against online scams. By recognizing red flags, verifying sources, and using secure financial tools, you can protect your money and personal information.