GCash blocked 6700 illegal gambling sites using QRPH

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GCash has blocked over 6,700 fraudulent merchants using "quishing"—a new tactic where scammers use fake QR codes to steal payments

As QRPh continues to transform the way Filipinos pay for everyday purchases, scammers are also evolving their tactics to exploit the country's growing reliance on QR-based transactions. To help keep digital payments safe, GCash has intensified its efforts against fraudulent merchants and fake payment pages, blocking over 6,700 suspicious accounts linked to QRPh-related scams while continuing to educate users on how to identify and avoid emerging threats.

How scammers exploit QRPh payments

Fraud monitoring teams at GCash have flagged a sharp rise in schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QRPh codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

Some cases also involve fraudulent QRPh codes being embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. This results in users unknowingly sending money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

Protecting QRPh ecosystem through stronger enforcement

As QRPh-related scams continue to evolve, GCash has strengthened its enforcement measures to protect users against quishing and other QRPh-based scams.

Suspicious wallets linked to fraudulent QRPh activity are immediately blocked, preventing scammers from receiving stolen payments through the platform. Fake websites impersonating official GCash payment pages are likewise identified and escalated for takedown, while incident reports are submitted to PH Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) and relevant government authorities to support further investigation and enforcement.

These efforts form part of GCash's broader collaboration with government agencies, including the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to disrupt scam networks, strengthen consumer protection, and preserve trust in the country's digital payments ecosystem.

"Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics alongside digital payments, and we are equally committed to staying ahead of these threats," said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. "By proactively blocking suspicious accounts, flagging fraudulent payment pages, and reporting these activities to regulators and law enforcement, we help stop these schemes before they can affect more Filipinos."

Geronilla added, "Protecting users is at the core of our platform. We have zero tolerance for those who exploit digital financial services, and we will continue to strengthen our safeguards while working hand in hand with government and industry partners to keep the country's digital payments ecosystem safe and secure."

Protect yourself from QRPh-related scams

As scams become more sophisticated, GCash urges users to remain vigilant and practice safe digital habits when using QR-based payments:

• Always check the website URL before making payments and ensure it matches official GCash domains

• Verify the merchant name displayed before confirming any transaction

•  Avoid transacting with suspicious or unverified sites

• l Be cautious of QR codes from unknown or untrusted sources\

• l Report suspicious links or payment requests through the GCash Help Center

Users are strongly encouraged to verify merchant names and payment URLs before completing transactions and to immediately stop any transaction that appears suspicious.

Keeping digital payments safe for every Filipino

GCash reaffirms its commitment to protecting users and maintaining the integrity of the country’s digital payments ecosystem. Through proactive detection, continuous monitoring, and strong collaboration with regulators and law enforcement, the platform continues to strengthen its defenses against emerging threats.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com.

Digital public service in action: LTFRB delivers fuel subsidy to public transportation drivers through GCash, enabling more efficient and accessible government assistance

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More efficient delivery of ayuda through digital disbursement, streamlining the process by eliminating long queues and commutes

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have partnered with GCash to enable fuel subsidy disbursements benefiting drivers of public transportation nationwide.

DOTr, LTFRB, and GCash partner to streamline fuel subsidy disbursements for Filipino transport workers nationwide.

Under this program, eligible beneficiaries receive fuel assistance directly via their GCash e-wallets. This streamlined approach ensures aid reaches transport workers with greater speed, security, and transparency than traditional manual methods, while eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel or wait in long queues.

The initiative was launched in response to rising global fuel prices, driven by ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have placed significant financial pressure on PUV drivers and operators who depend on daily income to sustain their livelihoods and operations.

"GCash is committed to working with the government to ensure that digital financial infrastructure advances equitable access to essential services and upholds the dignity of every Filipino. In partnership with the LTFRB, this initiative demonstrates how digital subsidy disbursement can remove structural barriers, such as long queues and manual processes, while strengthening transparency and accountability in delivering government support to Filipinos,” said GCash B2B sales head, Cleo Celeste Santos.

Qualified beneficiaries verified by LTFRB

The LTFRB verified the credentials of public transportation drivers nationwide. The fuel subsidy will be disbursed directly to the fully verified GCash account.

Here’s how to check if you are part of LTFRB’s recipient list:

Step 1: Verify if you are on the list through LTFRB

To confirm if you are on the list of beneficiaries, please call LTFRB at 0956-761-0739 through Viber.

Step 2: If you are included in the LTFRB fuel subsidy beneficiaries, select your payout option.

● Eligible drivers choose their preferred bank or e-wallet to receive their funds.

● For those who selected GCash, LTFRB will disburse the fuel subsidy directly to the verified GCash account.

Step 3: If you do not have a verified GCash account yet, here’s what you need to do:

● Open the GCash app. Tap Profile, then tap Verify Now.

● Select a valid government ID: You may use your Driver’s License or any of the following: LTO Driver’s License, physical, digital or paper version of the National ID (Philsys), HDMF (Pag-Ibig Loyalty Plus), Philippine Postal ID, PRC ID, UMID, SSS ID, Philippine Passport

● Please ensure that your ID is not expired or damaged.

● Scan your government ID. Ensure that the ID you submit is valid (not expired), clear (undamaged), and the ID (not a photocopy, xerox, or just a photo of the ID).

● Take a selfie within the app and provide the required information.

● Wait for the message confirming that you are now fully verified.

Step 4: Wait for the SMS confirmation confirming LTFRB’s fuel subsidy disbursement

● Eligible fuel subsidy recipients will receive SMS confirmation from GCash confirming LTFRB’s aid disbursement

● Check your GCash app if the aid fund has been received.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: GCash will never send a link or ask for your OTP (One-Time Password) to access the fuel subsidy.

This partnership lays the groundwork for a scalable Disbursement Service platform that will support bulk and scheduled payouts, role-based governance approvals, and automated audit reporting, strengthening LTFRB's capacity to administer future subsidy programs more efficiently.

GCash reaffirms its commitment to serve as a platform for public good, ensuring that government assistance reaches the hands that need it most, faster and more reliably than ever before.

Drivers can verify their eligibility for the LTFRB fuel subsidy by checking the official beneficiary list through the LTFRB Official Facebook Page (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB) or by contacting their regional LTFRB office. Eligible beneficiaries are usually registered PUV drivers and operators with valid franchises and updated LTFRB and LTO records. Drivers may need to present valid IDs and franchise documents, and those not included in the list may request record validation through LTFRB.

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

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) drivers receive government fuel subsidy straight to their GCash e-wallets

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With the effects of the fuel crisis rippling across sectors, public transport is among the most severely impacted. Jeepney drivers are bearing the brunt of this volatility as rising costs threaten both their livelihoods and national mobility. The impact is felt far beyond the roads; this means tightening the budget of many Filipino households as well.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier rolled out a fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers and operators nationwide. The initiative aims to help cushion the impact of the crisis, which also drove up the prices of basic commodities and utilities.

GCash works hand-in-hand with the DOTr, LTFRB, and other relevant government agencies to deliver the financial aid efficiently. The nation-building thrust of GCash enables drivers and operators to receive the subsidy straight to their e-wallets, making the disbursement process seamless and safe. Digitizing the payout eliminates the need to travel or wait in long lines, ensuring that aid reaches them without further delaying their livelihood.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) president Romeo Macailao welcomes the digital disbursement of their fuel subsidy.

Among the recent recipients are the drivers and operators of Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) in Lipa, Batangas. Romeo Macailao, president of the transport group, said that about 70 percent to 80 percent of their members were able to secure their financial aid already via GCash.

"Masaya sila nung natanggap nila iyon kasi napakadali lang, di na nila kailangan pumila ng matagal," the BATRASCO president added. (They were happy when they received it because it was very easy, and they no longer had to wait in long lines.)

Enabling financial inclusion

For Jayson, a 46-year-old jeepney driver from Brgy. Kwatro, Lipa City, the partnership meant more than just receiving aid. It also introduced him to how e-wallets like GCash can help people in their financial journey.

"First time ko pang mag-GCash nung na-receive ko yung ayuda, tinuruan ako nung anak ko paano i-set up," he shared. (It was my first time using GCash when I received the aid, and my child taught me how to set it up.)

 Jayson, 46, opens a GCash account for the first time.

Jayson is now a GCash user, marking his first step into the formal financial system. By opening his first official account through the app, he gains not only access to government aid and social services, but also secure financial tools that were once beyond his reach.

Convenient, seamless transactions

Both Roosevelt, 38, and Lito, 53, jeepney drivers from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, appreciated the convenience of receiving their financial aid through digital disbursements.

They did not have to spend hours in line. With a verified GCash account, the drivers were able to get the subsidy immediately, allowing them to have extra funds for their needs.

"Matagal na akong may GCash kaya natuwa ako nung nalaman kong doon na papasok ang ayuda. Napakabilis ng transaction at di na kailangang pumila pa," Roosevelt said. (I have been using GCash for a long time, so I was glad when I found out that the aid would be credited there. The transaction was very fast, and there was no need to line up anymore.)

"Hindi naman ako nahirapan mag-GCash, tinuruan lang ako ng aking asawa," Lito added. (I didn’t have a hard time using GCash; I was simply taught by my spouse.)

Lito also encouraged other drivers who do not have a GCash account to open one so they can reap the benefits of having access to digital financial services.

Dignified access to financial services

More than just convenience, digital disbursements enable drivers to focus on what matters most for their livelihood: staying on the road.

Loreto, a 42-year-old jeepney driver from Banaybanay, Lipa City, said he usually had to line up for half a day just to receive his subsidy. This meant losing around ₱700 in potential income, which is money he could have used to support his family’s needs.

"Ngayon, isang click na lang, nandoon na ang GCash. Nagagamit mo pa ang yung oras para kumita pa," Loreto said. (Now, it’s just one click, and GCash is there. You can even use the time to earn more.)

Alberto, 51-year-old jeepney driver from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, agreed. “Mas madali makuha yung ayuda ... di ka pa naaabala sa trabaho so mas maraming kikitain. Pag sa GCash, napaka-easy," he said. (It’s easier to receive the aid… and you’re not disrupted from work, so you can earn more. With GCash, it’s very easy.)

GCash continues to champion dignified access to digital financial services for all Filipinos. It shows how support can be delivered in ways that protect both time and livelihood, especially for workers in vulnerable sectors. In addition, this points to the growing role of digital platforms in making essential services more equitable and accessible.

Drivers can verify their eligibility for the LTFRB fuel subsidy by checking the official beneficiary list through the LTFRB Official Facebook Page (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB) or by contacting their regional LTFRB office.

Eligible beneficiaries are usually registered PUV drivers and operators with valid franchises and updated LTFRB and LTO records. Drivers may need to present valid IDs and franchise documents, and those not included in the list may request record validation through LTFRB.

For more information, visit gcash.com.

4 Travel Pro Tips to Plan and Spend Smarter on Your Upcoming Trips This Year

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Despite higher costs in recent months, travel remains firmly on the calendar for many Filipinos, whether it’s for a family vacation booked months in advance, a work-related trip, attending a highly-anticipated concert, watching a sports event, or joining a fitness competition. And while the desire to travel remains strong, many are now being more intentional about how they spend once they’re abroad, becoming more mindful with their budgets.

As your travel plans take shape in the coming months, take note of these smart travel pro tips that can help you make the most out of your travel budget without cutting back on the experience!

1. Be smart and look out for promos and deals

One of the most practical ways to manage your budget while abroad is to stay open to better-value choices as you move through your trip, like checking for limited-time offers on hotel accommodations, researching ongoing promos at restaurants, or comparing prices before booking tours and experiences.

Give yourself time to compare prices so you can get the best value out of every experience. Sometimes, the best promos and deals appear when you least expect them, and with a little bit of patience, this is a way to stretch your budget further without changing any of your plans.

2. Don’t overlook travel insurance

Speaking of changing plans, should they happen through disruptions like a flight delay or lost baggage, having travel insurance adds an important layer of protection and helps you avoid significantly larger expenses. When you use GInsure Travel Protect on the GCash app, you can find international travel insurance starting at PHP 299, covering a range of accidents, emergencies, and inconveniences.

3. Skip expensive roaming charges with an eSIM

When you have to rely on online maps and ride-hailing apps to get around abroad, it’s important to stay connected, and the most seasoned travelers know that the smarter way to guarantee this is by having an eSIM. What makes these so convenient is that you can activate them even before you arrive, so that you’re connected the moment you land.

On the GCash app, you can now purchase eSIMs for as low as PHP 1, with coverage across more than 160+ countries. Access this travel pro tip via GCash Travel on the app – it only takes 5 minutes to set up, even right before your flight!

4. Be ready for every payment moment

The last thing you want while on a trip is to encounter an issue with your payments just when you’re already at the counter! While cash still comes in handy for smaller merchants, street vendors at the night market, or transportation in certain destinations, it’s most practical to carry multiple ways to pay for your different purchases abroad.

With GCash as your partner for international travel, you can manage different payment methods through a single e-wallet, access low forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app.

You can use GCash to Scan to Pay via Alipay+ at merchants that accept QR payments when dining at restaurants or purchasing snacks at a convenience store. For instant, on-the-go payments especially in crowded areas or pasalubong shops, you can also use GCash with your Android phone to Tap to Pay so you don’t need to worry about scrambling for cash.

For high-value purchases, the GCash Card offers another layer of flexibility with your payments. You can simply swipe or tap your card to pay, without worrying about hidden fees or extra charges that you would typically encounter with a credit card. And for when you need it, you can also use your GCash Card to withdraw money from ATMs abroad!

The Best Travel Pro Tip? Travel with GCash!

Heading out to your next international adventure is exciting but keeping things convenient and worry-free when paying abroad makes it even better. Take note of all these GCash travel pro tips and download the GCash app today to stay ready for your upcoming trip!

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business bring access to end-to-end digital financial tools to more Filipino sari-sari store owners, powering community hubs nationwide

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Puregold Price Club, Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with GCash for Business to accelerate the digitalization of sari-sari stores and expand access to digital payments and financial solutions among Filipino nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs).

(L–R) GCash for Business general manager Paul Albano; G-Xchange Inc. president and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes; and GCash for Business sales head Cleo Celeste Santos

Through this partnership with Puregold Price Club, GCash for Business aims to provide easier access to payment tools for merchants who were previously unable to use them and equip them with the right tools to accept digital payments, manage finances, and grow their business.

Sari-sari stores remain one of the most vital pillars of the Philippine economy, serving as accessible sources of essential goods in local communities across the country. Yet despite their reach, many NMSMEs continue to operate on cash-based systems that limit their ability to accept digital payments, such as QRPH payments and debit and credit cards; track transactions; manage cash flow; and access formal financial services.

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business are directly addressing these gaps, bringing tools that are easy to access, scalable, and made for them.

“Our partnership with Puregold Price Club reflects a shared vision of empowering communities on the ground, by making digital payments and business solutions more inclusive, practical, and within reach," Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc, the mobile wallet operator of GCash, shared.

Bringing digital solutions to the local economy

One of the key activations under this partnership took place at the Tindahan ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Convention 2026, one of the country’s largest annual gatherings of sari-sari store owners and small business operators.

The event introduced Puregold Price Club’s TNAP network of entrepreneurs to GCash for Business full suite of easy, simple, and convenient solutions, empowering business owners with flexible digital payment solutions that fit their needs and are functional, such as GCash SoundPay and GCash PocketPay.

GCash PocketPay turns an NFC-enabled Android smartphone into a POS machine, allowing merchants to accept credit card and QRPH payments anytime, anywhere. With GCash SoundPay, each payment transaction is secure with real-time payment confirmations you can hear. Beyond payment acceptance, the GCash for Business Portal provides a centralized platform where merchants can monitor transactions and manage their transfers to their suppliers, with no limits and no fees.

Through on-ground demos and onboarding support, merchants learned how to quickly set up and start accepting digital payments using GCash for Business devices. Doing so has enabled merchants to accept more payments, cater to their customers better, and open more opportunities, truly empowering them to grow.

“Puregold Price Club and GCash have worked hand in hand to empower our Tindahan ni Aling Puring members, who remain at the very heart of our mission. Through our partnership with GCash for Business, we are helping equip members of the Tindahan ni Aling Puring network with digital tools and payment solutions that strengthen their day-to-day operations, support their growth, and enable them to better serve their customers in an increasingly digital economy,” Puregold Price Club, Inc. President, Vincent Co, concluded.

The partnership also extends to Puregold’s retail operations, where GCash for Business solutions are being integrated to support in-store transactions, disbursements, and broader operational processes. This creates a more connected ecosystem between suppliers and the sari-sari stores they serve.

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business are proactively championing digitalization among NMSMEs by making digital tools and solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes — empowering even small businesses to adapt to changing consumer behavior, participate in the digital economy, and unlock more opportunities for long-term growth and financial inclusion.

Learn more about GCash for Business solutions for sari-sari store owners and MSMEs at https://gcash.com/business/msme.

TransferGo, GCash partnership brings secure, affordable remittances for Filipinos in Europe

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GCash and TransferGo team up to improve remittances from Europe

As part of its commitment to support Filipinos around the world, GCash, the country’s leading finance superapp, has partnered with TransferGo, a leading international money transfer service across Europe, to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants with a faster, reliable, and cost-efficient way to send money directly to GCash wallets.

For many OFWs, sending money home is often complicated by slow transfer times, hidden fees, or limited payout options. The TransferGo and GCash partnership addresses these challenges by enabling instant, secure fund transfers to the Philippines, giving families easier access to financial support for everyday needs.

With the partnership now in place, TransferGo users in the United Kingdom and across Europe can send money straight to GCash wallets. Recipients can immediately use the funds for bills, online payments, cash withdrawals, or other financial needs, all within the GCash ecosystem.

“This partnership strengthens GCash’s international remittance network and ensures that Filipino families get their funds quickly, safely, and conveniently. We are committed to financial inclusion and empowering every Filipino to manage their money, whether they are here at home or abroad,” said GCash International general manager Arjun Varma.

For TransferGo, the partnership expands payout options in Southeast Asia, giving users more confidence when sending money home.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing our customers with more opportunities to stay connected with family and friends. We do this by delivering more affordable, fast, and reliable money transfer solutions for the Filipino diaspora. We are proud to have the community's trust and will continue to offer them our very best,” said TransferGo CEO and co-founder Daumantas Dvilinskas.

Reinforcing its vision of Finance for All, GCash ensures that every Filipino, wherever they are, can access essential financial services and support their families with ease and security.

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