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
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