Complex reporting process deters 67% of Filipinos from reporting online fraud, study shows

October 30, 2024
2:16PM PHT

An estimated two-thirds of Filipinos do not report online scam incidents to authorities, with  many deterred by the perceived difficulty in reporting or uncertainty as to which agency to approach, a report from an international advocacy group revealed.

According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), 67 percent of Filipinos are, in fact, reluctant to report scams that are either perpetrated against or attempted on them due to the complexity of the reporting process, uncertainty about where to report, and doubts that reporting would make a difference.

Fear of not being believed and considering the scam insignificant were also cited as contributing factors, according to GASA’s latest report, The State of Scams in the Philippines 2024.

The study, based on a survey of 1,000 respondents, highlights the need for stronger initiatives to encourage scam reporting among the public.

Out of all the respondents, 73 percent expressed confidence in spotting scams, an increase of  5 percent from 2023, the report noted. Despite this confidence, 67 percent of Filipinos encounter scams at least once a month, reflecting an 8-perceent rise from the previous year.

“I was scammed on a website that I thought would make my money grow. At first I was able to cash out but when I reinvested, it turned out that I could [not] cash out because the requested amount was getting bigger and bigger, and that's when I realized that I was scammed,” one respondent shared.

The study also found that text messages remain the primary method of scam delivery, followed by social media and instant messaging platforms. Facebook, Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok emerged as the most exploited platforms.

Testimonials from scam victims highlight how quickly scams unfold.

“I was scammed on a website that I thought would make my money grow. At first I was able to cash out but when I reinvested, it turned out that I could [not] cash out because the requested amount was getting bigger and bigger and that's when I realized that I was scammed,” one respondent shared.

Another respondent recounted: "My friend on Facebook asked for money to support a charity for persons with disabilities. I thought it was for a charity and [contributed], but I later found out that he was just collecting money for personal needs.”

The findings underscore the importance of public awareness and streamlined reporting processes to mitigate scam-related losses, GASA said.

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