Showing posts with label Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Show all posts

October 10, 2025

CICC, GCash strengthen alliance for intensified campaign against cyber fraud

Recognizing the continuous need to safeguard Filipinos from rising online fraud and scams, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the lead agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) tasked with combating cybercrime, has forged a stronger alliance with leading finance app GCash to boost cyber protection for digital financial services.

(L-R) Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) director IV Alvin Navarro and undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso inks Memorandum of Agreement with Mynt, parent company of GCash represented by group head for new businesses Winsley Bangit, chief legal officer Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, and G-Xchange Inc., head of legal Atty. Gilbert Escoto

Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), this partnership strengthens incident response and information sharing. It also supports the government’s capacity-building programs to further enhance cyber resilience.

The agreement was signed by CICC Usec. Renato “Aboy” A. Paraiso, who was joined by Dir. Alvin M. Navarro and Dir. Rojun V. Hosillos, together with other CICC officials. Representing GCash were Mynt’s (parent company of GCash) group head for new businesses, Winsley Royce Bangit, chief legal and compliance officer, Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, G-Xchange Inc., head of legal, Atty. Gilbert Escoto, with the support of GCash head of advocacy, Atty. Mark Anthony Amurao, Mynt’s chief information and security officer, Miguel Geronilla, and vice president and head of corporate communications and public affairs, Gilda Maquilan.

Emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration, Undersecretary Paraiso noted, “Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of the government alone—it requires strong collaboration with industry leaders like GCash. Through this partnership, we are sending a clear message to cybercriminals that we are united in protecting Filipinos and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit our digital economy. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient cyberspace where trust and innovation can thrive.”

The collaboration comes at a time when digital platforms are increasingly targeted by fraudsters. With stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector, both CICC and GCash are committed to reinforcing user protection and building greater trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.

For its part, GCash has been taking proactive measures, successfully blocking over 4 million fraudulent accounts and taking down thousands of malicious posts. These efforts will be further strengthened and complemented by CICC’s expertise, enabling GCash to better protect users who rely on digital services for their everyday transactions.

The partnership represents a vital step in the ongoing efforts of GCash to achieve its vision of financial inclusion while securing its users. “This partnership with CICC also serves as a compelling reminder that we must continue improving and innovating to protect our customers from ever-present cyber threats and other types of scams,” Atty. Alvarez-Adriano said.

With its continued focus on safety and innovation, GCash, together with the government, affirms its role in enabling every Filipino to safely participate in the digital economy with confidence and peace of mind.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

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February 19, 2025

Protect Your Digital Activities Amid Surge in Online Scams


As online fraud reaches unprecedented levels, Filipinos are reminded to stay vigilant and strengthen their digital security—a key message underscored by Safer Internet Day, an annual global movement advocating for a safer and more responsible online experience.

According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), cybercrime complaints more than tripled in 2024, with 10,004 cases filed—a staggering rise from 3,317 in 2023.1  These scams led to PHP198 million in total financial losses, highlighting the growing sophistication of fraud, particularly consumer fraud and online financial fraud, which together account for 67% of all reported cases. Fraudsters continue to exploit deceptive tactics such as fake online sales, impersonation scams, investment fraud, and phishing to steal sensitive information like passwords and one-time PINs (OTPs).

Recognizing the growing vulnerabilities of OTPs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is pushing for stricter security regulations to strengthen the country’s financial cybersecurity framework. As part of this effort, the BSP has proposed regulatory changes aimed at enforcing Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (Afasa), which was signed into law last year to combat financial cybercrimes. This includes requiring banks to continuously enhance their security infrastructure, implement stronger authentication measures, and adopt more advanced fraud detection systems to stay ahead of cybercriminals2.

PSBank is reinforcing its commitment to security through key enhancements to its PSBank Mobile app. Clients now have the ability to lock access to their accounts on platforms they don’t usually use, ensuring that their PSBank accounts remain restricted to their preferred and regularly utilized channels. They can also lock or unlock their ATM cards through the app, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized transactions.

Beyond security, PSBank Mobile continues to simplify digital banking with a faster, more seamless account opening process, removing the waiting period for verification and allowing customers to open an account with just one valid ID and a selfie. The app also offers zero initial deposit requirements, real-time bill payments, RFID reloading for tolls, and lower InstaPay transfer fees—ensuring that users can enjoy safe and hassle-free banking.

While security systems evolve, vigilance remains the most powerful defense against online fraud. To minimize risks, users are encouraged to follow these key digital safety practices:
1. Verify sender identities – Always double-check emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies. Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions.

2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links – Phishing scams rely on fake websites that mimic legitimate platforms to steal login credentials. Always access bank websites and apps directly.

3. Use strong, unique passwords – Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

4. Never share banking credentials – Banks will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or account details via email, text, or call. If someone requests this information, it's likely a scam.

5. Monitor account activity regularly – Frequently check your bank statements and transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately.

6. Report scams promptly – If you fall victim to fraud, contact your bank and report the incident to the government’s 1326 cybercrime hotline, available 24/7 to assist victims.

As cybercriminals continue to innovate, fortifying your digital security is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. This Safer Internet Day serves as a strong reminder that while financial institutions enhance their digital defenses, users must also remain proactive and vigilant. Fraudsters may adapt, but with the right security measures and a well-informed digital banking community, Filipinos can continue transacting online with confidence.

For more information on safe digital banking practices and the latest news on the PSBank Mobile App, visit www.psbank.com.ph or follow PSBank on Facebook and Instagram.


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1  Philippine News Agency. (2025, January 31). Scam complaints triple in 2024 CICC. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243101


2  Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2025, January 22). Amendments to Regulations on Information Technology Risk Management to Implement Section 6 of the AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Regulations/Issuances%20of%20Policy%20Exposure%20Drafts/Exposure-Draft_Amendments-to- Regulations-on-IT-Risk-Management-to-Implement-Section-6-of-the-Anti-Financial-Account-Scamming-Act.pdf


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