PHILIPPINE National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brigadier General Sydney S. Hernia yesterday warned the public to be wary of a surge in the number of monitored e-wallet scams as the deadline for SIM card registration approaches.

According to the top cybercop, scammers are taking advantage of the confusion and panic by the public as the SIM card registration deadline draws near to trick them into sharing their personal information and bank account details.

These scammers typically pose as representatives of legitimate e-wallet companies or financial institutions and offer enticing rewards or discounts to lure victims into revealing their information, Brig. Gen. Hernia said.

Once the scammers have obtained the victim’s information, they use it to transfer funds out of their accounts and disappear without a trace, he explained.

Another monitored scam amid the approaching SIM card registration deadline involves a group of con men posing as representatives of the Marcos government and telling their would-be victims that they would be receiving a P3,000 monthly incentive for voting President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ E. Marcos Jr. in the May 2022 election.

Once the target say they voted for other candidates, the con artists would insist they would still be getting the same monthly government stipend provided they give them their mobile phone numbers and bank details.

The PNP-ACG reminded the public to be vigilant when receiving unsolicited messages or phone calls, especially those offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Brig. Gen. Hernia also advised the public to use caution when transferring money through e-wallet applications and to only do so with trusted individuals or businesses.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon