Growing concerns about scams in the Philippines require action

Table of Contents

TL;DR: Growing concerns about scams in the Philippines require action

  • More than 52% of Filipinos have been scammed at least once.
  • 68% of victims have lost money, with 11% reporting significant losses.
  • Social media is the main channel used by scammers.
  • The GSMA has launched initiatives to improve cross-sector collaboration and combat scams.
  • Consumer concern about scams has increased significantly.

Statistics on scams in the Philippines

Statistics on scams in the Philippines reveal an alarming picture. According to a recent GSMA report, more than 52% of Filipinos have been scammed at least once in their lives, representing a seven-point increase compared to the ASEAN average. In the past year, 8% of respondents have been victims of scams, indicating a 6% increase in exposure to fraud compared to the previous year, a trend surpassed only by Thailand.

The financial impact of these scams is considerable. Two-thirds of victims have reported monetary losses, and 11% of them describe these losses as significant. In addition, the emotional impact is profound, with 45% of victims experiencing emotional distress and 28% spending considerable time resolving the incidents. Widespread concern about scams is palpable, as more than 96% of respondents expressed their concern, with 58% indicating they are “very concerned”, a seven-point increase compared to the previous year.

Statistic Percentage
Filipinos scammed at least once 52%
Victimization in the past year 8%
Victims who have lost money 68%
Concern about scams 96%
Very concerned 58%

Table 1: Statistics on scams in the Philippines.

Emotional impact of being scammed

The emotional impact of being a scam victim is significant and often underestimated. Victims not only face financial losses, but also experience profound emotional distress. According to the GSMA report, 45% of victims reported emotional distress, which can lead to long-term mental health problems. In addition, 28% of victims devoted considerable time to resolving the incidents, which can affect their work and personal lives.

This stress can manifest in anxiety, depression, and a decrease in confidence in interadigital transactions. The feeling of vulnerability and the loss of trust in digital platforms are direct consequences of being scammed. The lack of support and resources to help victims recover from these experiences also contributes to a cycle of emotional trauma.

“Trust in the digital economy is eroding faster than it can be rebuilt.”
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia-Pacific, GSMA

Channels used by scammers

Scammers in the Philippines have evolved in their methods, and social media has become the primary channel for carrying out their frauds. This shift has overtaken other traditional channels such as text messages, OTT messaging apps, and voice calls. The accessibility and reach of social media platforms allow scammers to target a broader and often more vulnerable audience.

The use of social media for scams includes tactics such as creating fake profiles, promoting fraudulent offers, and emotional manipulation to gain victims’ trust. This approach not only increases the effectiveness of scams, but also complicates the identification and prosecution of scammers.

GSMA initiatives to combat scams

The GSMA has taken significant steps to address the problem of scams in the Philippines, highlighting the need for coordinated action across sectors. At the recent Digital Nation Summit in Manila, several initiatives were announced to improve collaboration between mobile operators and other sectors, such as technology and finance.

Collaboration between mobile operators

One of the key initiatives is the pilot project for collaboration between mobile operators, which seeks to improve the sharing of threat intelligence. This project, which is part of the GSMA Anti-Scam Working Group (ACAST), will use regulator-approved datasets to assess abnormal traffic patterns and fraud numbers reported by customers. This collaboration aims to improve scam risk scoring for digital platforms, enabling more effective fraud detection.

Commercial services launched

In addition, mobile operators in the Philippines have launched a series of commercial services aligned with the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. These services include silent verification of subscriber identity and real-time detection of SIM swap attempts. For example, SmartSafe SilentAccess and DITO Network Authentication are solutions that aim to reduce fraud risk by 90%.

Increase in exposure to scams over the past year

The past year has seen a notable increase in exposure to scams in the Philippines. According to the GSMA report, exposure to fraud has increased by 6%, reflecting a worrying trend. This increase has been accompanied by a rise in scam calls, which increased by 78% in the third quarter of 2025. This context highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat fraud and protect consumers.

The increase in exposure to scams can also be attributed to growing digitalization and the use of online platforms for financial transactions. As more Filipinos engage in the digital economy, they become more vulnerable to scammers’ tactics, which quickly adapt to new technologies and communication methods.

Measures to improve threat intelligence

To address the problem of scams, it is crucial to improve threat intelligence. This involves standardizing threat reporting practices and cyber hygiene across different sectors. The GSMA has urged stakeholders in the banking, telecommunications, e-commerce, and government sectors to collaborate in creating a threat reporting framework that enables a rapid and effective response to scam vectors.

In addition, telecommunications data and Open Gateway APIs should be leveraged for real-time fraud detection. Expanding public awareness campaigns and digital literacy is also essential to educate consumers about the risks associated with scams and how to protect themselves.

Financial consequences of scams

The financial consequences of scams are devastating for victims. According to the GSMA report, 68% of victims have lost money, and 11% have reported significant losses. These losses not only affect victims individually, but also have a broader impact on the Philippines’ digital economy.

Scams can lead to a decline in trust in digital platforms and in the economy overall. This can result in lower consumer participation in the digital economy, which in turn can affect growth and innovation in the sector. A lack of trust can lead to a cycle of disinvestment and economic stagnation, which is harmful to the country’s long-term development.

Consumer concerns about scams

Consumer concerns about scams have increased significantly over the past year. More than 96% of

respondents in the GSMA study expressed concern about scams and hacking, with 58% indicating that they are “very concerned”. This growing unease reflects the need for effective measures to protect consumers and restore trust in the digital economy.

Consumers are also increasingly aware of the risks associated with online transactions and interaction on social media. The lack of education and resources to help consumers navigate these risks contributes to the overall vulnerability of the population.

Growing concerns about scams in the Philippines: A call to action

The magnitude of the scam problem

The problem of scams in the Philippines is of great magnitude, with more than 52% of the population affected. This phenomenon not only represents a challenge for individuals, but also poses a significant risk to the country’s digital economy.

Psychological and financial impact on victims

The impact of being scammed goes beyond financial losses. Victims face significant emotional stress and a loss of trust in digital platforms, which can have lasting effects on their well-being.

The role of social media in the rise of scams

Social media has emerged as the primary channel for scammers, highlighting the need for greater regulation and education on the safe use of these platforms.

GSMA initiatives to combat scams

GSMA initiatives, which include cross-sector collaboration and the launch of new services, are positive steps toward mitigating the scam problem.

The importance of cross-sector collaboration

Collaboration among the telecommunications, technology, and finance sectors is essential to address the scam problem effectively. Standardizing practices and sharing data are crucial for a coordinated response.

Education and awareness as key tools

Education and awareness are fundamental to empower consumers and reduce their vulnerability to scams. Awareness campaigns should target high-risk and vulnerable groups.

Challenges in implementing security measures

Despite efforts, the implementation of security measEffective security faces significant challenges, including resistance from some sectors and a lack of resources.

The future of the digital economy in the Philippines

The future of the digital economy in the Philippines depends on restoring consumer confidence. Proactive measures to combat scams are essential to ensure sustainable growth.

Conclusions and recommendations for a proactive approach

It is imperative that proactive measures be taken to address the problem of scams. This includes cross-sector collaboration, consumer education, and the implementation of advanced security technologies.

Closing

The growing concern about scams in the Philippines requires coordinated and effective action. Collaboration between sectors and empowering consumers are essential to restore confidence in the digital economy and protect the population from future fraud.