More than 30 users of the e-wallet platform GCash complained about the sudden loss of their money. One said to be used in an online shopping application. GCash is said to be cooperating with the authorities to catch the fraudsters.
In a report by John Consulta on GMA News “24 Oras” this Wednesday, the Eastern Metro Manila Headquarters in Pasig City said that they have received more than 30 complaints since January.
Among the victims is “Grace” who allegedly lost the money earmarked for her child’s education.
“Nagulat na lang ako, nakareceive ako ng text message sa GCash. You have paid P58,000…there’s no contact number and reference number attached,” she said.
“Nag-search ako sa Facebook sa pangalan na ‘yun… Natuklasan ko roon, ang dami pala namin. ‘Di ako nag-iisa. May nauna na sa akin, P40,000 then may P1,000 pati P400 pinagtiyagaan pa, hanggang sa ako ang pinakahuli na P58,000,” she added.
Meanwhile, “Marilyn” who earns through over-the-counter transactions in GCash, said she lost about P26,000 in her e-wallet account.
“Nakakapagtaka, paano nila nabuksan ang Gcash ko na wala namang OTP na dumating,” she said.
“Maliit lang ang puhunan ko…Pinapa-ikot-ikot ko lang, tapos ngayon, mawawala ng ganun-ganun lang,” she added.
Over 30 GCash users complain of losing money
Mechanical engineering student “Danie” also lost money. She said the hacker used her account in an online shopping application.
According to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), only the operating company GCash can explain what happened.
“Sila naman ang nakakakita ng ins and outs ng money transaction, so whether na pumunta samin, to ask for police report, ultimately sila pa rin ang mag-iimbestiga niyan because they have their own anti-fraud department,” explained PNP Spokesperson Michelle Sabino.
In a separate statement, GCash said it is contacting the authorities to pursue those behind the fraud.
They also implemented a “Double Safe” security feature that uses “facial verification as another measure to protect our customers.”
“We want to remind our customers to be vigilant against scammers and never share their MPIN or one-time password with anyone,” he said.
Customers who fall victim to fraud are advised to report to GCash through the help center https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or call the hotline 2882.
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