Philippines Scams: Online, Job & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in the Philippines and how to report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The Philippines sees widespread text (smishing) scams, online job and task scams, investment and crypto fraud, and e-wallet phishing. This guide outlines the main scams and how to report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, the NBI, and your bank or e-wallet provider.
Common scams
- Smishing (job offers, prizes, parcel fees)
- Online job and task scams
- Investment and crypto fraud
- E-wallet and bank phishing
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging taxis
- Fake tour operators
- Counterfeit goods
Online shopping scams
- E-wallet (GCash-style) phishing
- Marketplace non-delivery
- Fake shopping pages
Job scams
- Task scams
- Fake overseas employment offers
- Reshipping and mule recruitment
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and crypto grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms
- Ponzi-style 'paluwagan' investment scams
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or e-wallet provider immediately
- Report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (pnpacg.ph)
- Report to the NBI Cybercrime Division
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank or e-wallet provider's official support immediately to report the transaction and ask for it to be frozen or reversed - reach them through the app or the number on your card, not through anyone who contacted you. Explain that you were deceived into sending the payment, ask for the receiving account to be reported, and record the reference number you are given. Never share OTPs or e-wallet PINs; no legitimate provider asks for them. If you did share one, change your passwords and PINs straight away.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Should I ever share my e-wallet OTP?
Never. One-time passwords and PINs are for you alone. Anyone asking you to share an OTP — including 'support' or a 'buyer' — is trying to take over your account or steal funds.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance