Scams have become a major threat in the Philippines, with Filipinos losing an estimated P280.5 billion in the past 12 months, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).
About 77 percent of adults reported encountering a scam, and 65 percent were successfully defrauded, with average losses of nearly P12,000 per victim.
Investment scams were the most common, often carried out through social media, digital wallets, and messaging apps, yet only 11 percent of victims recovered any funds.
Beyond financial losses, 88 percent of victims experienced emotional stress, with some taking on additional debt due to fraud.
Experts emphasize that stronger consumer protection, cross-industry collaboration, and digital awareness are crucial to safeguarding Filipinos in the rapidly expanding online economy.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 27, 2025
Latest from Business
Finance Secretary Frederick Go is pushing to reduce local digital bank transfer fees to as low
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects stronger private-sector interest in upcoming railway public-private partnership (PPP) projects
The Philippine Competition Commission and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, Inc. have signed
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has received its first-ever “BB” credit rating and a stable outlook from Fitch
PLDT Inc. is open to investing in the proposed AI hub in New Clark City, but
