Common GCash Scams You Need To Avoid and How To Report Them

The onset of COVID-19 has changed a lot of things we take for granted: for one, shopping definitely isn't the same anymore. It's become safer and more convenient to do shopping online, from non-essential stuff to essential groceries. With more online transactions comes a greater need for secure cashless payments. E-wallets like GCash, the leading finance solutions app in the country, have seen more new account registrations lately because of its ease of use and necessity. However, the influx of new registrations also presents an opportunity for scammers to try out their schemes on unsuspecting
users.

 

Spot These Common GCash Scams

Phishing or Fake Pages

GCash scams commonly involve people or pages pretending to be the official account. To make sure that you're contacting the official page, take note of the "verified" icon (the blue checkmark beside the GCash name), how many followers the account has (2M+ on FB and 37K on Twitter), and the username of the page (@gcashofficial on both FB and Twitter). 

Image courtesy of the official GCash Facebook page.

  

Scammers also "spoof" or use computer software to send SMS messages that look like legitimate texts from 2882. This scam will attempt to obtain your details through 2882 or other GCash mobile numbers. If any messages from GCash look suspicious, make sure to check your GCash app first if the contents of the SMS are true. 

Fake Waived Transaction Fee

GCash cash-in transactions charge a 2% service fee. Scammers online will claim that they're able to return the 2% service charge to your account and ask for your account credentials. The official GCash page has reminded users that GCash representatives will never ask for personal details or passwords, so be wary of people or numbers who ask for these.

Image courtesy of the official GCash Facebook page.

GCash Security

As a rule of thumb, don't trust unknown people or mobile numbers who ask for your GCash account's mobile PIN (MPIN), one-time password (OTP), or card verification value (CVV) if you have a GCash Mastercard, even if they claim to be affiliated with GCash or Globe. 

Image courtesy of the official GCash Facebook page.

GCash has also prioritized the safety of its users by implementing its Customer Protect system. Customer Protect means that verified GCash users can be compensated up to Php100,000 if an unauthorized transaction occurs, and that reports of fraudulent activities are responded to within the day of submission.

GCash also works with law enforcement agencies to ensure security. Recently, three scammers who pretended to be affiliated with GCash and other mobile apps were arrested and charged with cybercrime and estafa by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). GCash investigated initial reports and cooperated with the NBI by submitting its findings, leading to the arrest. 

To keep your account secure and also maximize GCash's features and services, it is encouraged that you prioritize verifying your GCash account. Verification involves sending a photo of a valid ID, a selfie, and other important details to GCash through the mobile app. The whole process doesn't take long - it'll be done in 30 minutes or so - and the features that come with a fully verified account make it more than worth your time. Fully verified accounts are eligible for a GCash Mastercard and GCredit, and can also conduct online cash-in, international remittance, investment, and cash-out transactions.

Fully verified users are also more protected by the app's Customer Protect coverage. Basic users (those who have no verification at all) can only have up to Php2,000 compensated while being a semi-verified user (those who have provided a selfie and an e-signature, but not a picture of a valid ID) bumps that insurance up to Php10,000. Meanwhile, fully verified users can get back up to Php100,000 if their account is ever involved in suspicious and unauthorized transactions. 

Where to Report GCash Scams

To report active or potential scams directly to GCash, you can submit a ticket on their website at help.gcash.com. You can also message the NBI directly, not just for GCash scams but other suspicious messages too. The NBI Operation Center can be contacted at 0961-734-9450 while the NBI Anti-Fraud or Cybercrime Divisions can be contacted at 85238231-38. You may also send a message using the NBI’s website (www.nbi.gov.ph) or Facebook account (www.facebook.com/NationalBureauofInvestigationOfficial). 

Even though these GCash scams exist, you shouldn't be discouraged or scared of using e-wallet apps like GCash. The security and ease of use that it provides to users who have online transactions on an almost-daily basis now is irreplaceable. Users are protected by safeguards such as the Customer Protect program and GCash's cooperation with law enforcement agencies, minimizing any risks that may be present. We just also have to be critical and aware of any GCash scams that may take advantage of us.

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