The Christmas season is a time of joy and generosity that can also be a prime period for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. With the surge in digital transactions and the influx of holiday bonuses, scammers view this season as an ideal opportunity to carry out their schemes.
Most of these victims often fall into these traps such as seeing a post that lures you in to enter their website and eventually enter your credit card details to secure the scammed offer. Because of this, multiple unauthorized charges were made, and the post was revealed to be a phishing attempt, and the website was a fake that was designed to steal your personal and financial details. This proves that individuals are more vulnerable to fraud and being vigilant is now critical more than ever.
Rising Incidents of Cybercrime: A Growing Threat
The reality of cybercrime is evident. According to a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), the prevalence of victimization by crimes is often much higher than reported incidents. While traditional crimes like pickpocketing, burglary, and carjacking remain to be concerns in the Philippines, cybercrimes like hacking, phishing, and online scams have proliferated over the past year since it was included in the statistic.
In recent months, cybercrime victimization has risen sharply across the Philippines. Families that were affected by cybercrimes surged from 3.7% in June 2024 to 7.2% in September 2024. This rate was derived from all areas in the Philippines such as Metro Manila surged from 3% to 12.3%, Balance Luzon, or areas outside Metro Manila, rose from 5.2% to 6.3%, Visayas rose from 1.7% to 7.7%, and in Mindanao, from 3.0% to 5.7%.
These rapid surges prove that there is an urgent need to protect oneself to avoid being victimized by these distressing situations especially as the season of bonuses and online spending heightens the risk of being preyed upon by these scams.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Cybercrime
According to the 2024 Asia Scam Report, the most common scam that Filipinos are mostly victimized by are shopping scams. It is quite timely now that we are in the Christmas season, and more shops are having sales. So, to have a seamless and safe Christmas shopping experience, here’s how you can avoid falling victim to cybercrime:
1. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true
Scammers often use enticing offers to lure individuals into sharing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments. For instance, gadgets that are suddenly sold at an unrealistically low price should raise suspicion. Another new tactic involves scammers impersonating manufacturers to post fake “apology messages” about long queues in physical stores, claiming an “80% off sale.” These posts often include staged photos and urge readers to take advantage of the discount online through a fraudulent link. Due to the urgency and different psychological approach using “Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)”, readers are easily tricked into this scam. If you’re unsure about a social media post, link or an email, it’s better to steer clear of such offers and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
2. Monitor your accounts
Regularly review your bank accounts and credit scores for any unusual activity. Keep track of your savings and expenses in case anything is lost. If you see any unusual activity or loss from your accounts, report it immediately to your bank. Being alert and having a quick detection can prevent further financial or personal damage.
3. Create strong passwords
Avoid using predictable passwords and passcodes like birthdays, favorite words, your name, or familiar street names. Use complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it more difficult for hackers to crack your accounts.
4. Quadruple check transactions
Always verify the authenticity of online sellers, websites, or payment platforms before making transactions. Scammers often use dummy accounts to mimic legitimate businesses or even buy followers to make it look more convincing they have a wide range of following and can be trusted. Check reviews, verify contact details, and ensure secure payment options.
5. If you do get scammed, here’s what you can do:
a. Immediately secure your devices and change passwords.
b. Contact your bank or e-wallet provider to freeze transactions.
c. Report the incident to authorities such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Cybercrime Division of the Philippine National Police (PNP) or contact Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326.
d. Lastly, document everything. From the conversations to the phone calls, make sure you have enough evidence to track down these scammers.
While the holiday season amplifies the risk of scams, these threats continue to persist all year. It is a daily responsibility to protect your digital identity and to stay vigilant at all times. By doing so, you can enjoy the holiday season without falling prey to cybercriminals and not be victims of cybercrime even after the holiday season. Remember, your caution today can save you from a scam tomorrow.
As published in The Manila Times, dated 04 December 2024
