ONLINE scams have caused significant financial loss and emotional distress for many residents of Dumaguete, including my friends and relatives.
Recently, two people in my circle — a family friend and a relative — have fallen victim to these schemes, highlighting just how pervasive and damaging these scams can be.
In one case, our relative was convinced to send thousands to individuals who approached her via phone calls. These scammers, skilled in deception, used various aliases and continued a relentless barrage of calls. The constant pressure pushed her to visit GCash outlets multiple times, transferring money to these unscrupulous individuals.
These scams often begin innocuously, with what seems like a harmless friend request or message, followed by an outpouring of affection. The scammer then subtly influences the victim, leading to a request for money. Unfortunately, this emotional manipulation can cloud judgment, especially for vulnerable individuals, making them susceptible to fraud.
An exorcist priest I spoke with shared that he frequently encounters cases like this, with victims ranging in age from their 50s to 80s. Family members often turn to him, believing that their loved ones are being tormented by demons. After listening to their accounts, he usually refers the victim to a psychiatrist, as many show signs of delusional disorder. However, the priest noted that convincing someone to see a psychiatrist is challenging, as these victims often refuse to admit they’ve been scammed, insisting that there’s nothing wrong with the transactions or with them.
This cycle of deceit and emotional turmoil needs to stop. The recent experiences of our cousin and family friend compelled me to consult a lawyer and conduct my research into the laws surrounding online scams. Here’s what I found:
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R.A. 10175): This law criminalizes cyber offenses such as illegal access, online fraud, and phishing, providing a legal framework for prosecuting cybercriminals within Philippine jurisdiction.
Revised Penal Code (RPC): Traditional crimes like fraud (estafa) can apply to online scams if they involve deceit or misrepresentation, despite the law’s pre-internet origins.
Electronic Commerce Act (R.A. 8792): This law grants legal recognition to electronic documents, signatures, and contracts, allowing digital evidence (e.g., emails, and payment receipts) to be used in court to support claims in online scam cases.
Data Privacy Act (R.A. 10173): Focused on personal data protection, this law aids victims by ensuring proper handling of personal information and can provide additional grounds for legal claims if data is misused in scams.
This issue is not just about financial loss, but also about the psychological toll it takes on victims, leaving them isolated and confused. Awareness and action are essential in preventing further harm.
However, recovering the money lost to online scams can be quite challenging. While there is a possibility of recovery, it is often a lengthy process due to the complexities of legal procedures and the need to gather sufficient evidence. Some of the key factors involved in the recovery process include:
Electronic Correspondence and Communications: Printouts or digital copies of emails, chat logs, social media messages, etc., including timestamps, usernames, and account identifiers, to show the scammer’s misrepresentations.
Transaction Records and Financial Documents: Bank statements, fund transfer receipts, mobile wallet histories, and payment confirmations to prove financial loss and fund flow to the scammer.
Screenshots and Photographic Documentation: Screenshots of fraudulent websites, posts, or ads, including the URL, date, and time of capture, to document online content.
Technical Data and IP Addresses: IP logs, device identifiers, or metadata that may help trace the scam’s origin, obtainable through law enforcement and legal channels.
Affidavits of the Victim and Witnesses: Victims and witnesses should provide affidavits detailing the scam events, communications, and transactions to support the case.
In the meantime, what can we do to combat this, so that it won’t happen to others?
Some suggested tips:
Verify the Source
Always double-check the legitimacy of websites, emails, or messages. Look for indicators like:
Email address: Is it from a reputable domain?
URL: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (check for the padlock icon).
Spelling and grammar: Scam messages often have errors. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
There is the old saying ‘Trust but verify,’ however, in cybersecurity, the saying is, ‘Never trust always verify.’
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create strong, unique passwords for every account. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
Consider using a password manager to securely store passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts for an added layer of security.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Be cautious when asked to share personal or financial information online, especially on unfamiliar websites or unsolicited messages.
Reputable organizations will never ask for sensitive information via email or phone.
Never provide personal details over unsecured channels.
Research the company if you’re unsure.
Check for Red Flags in Communications
Scammers often create a sense of urgency (e.g., “Act fast to win!”) or promise unbelievable rewards (e.g., “You’ve won a lottery!”). Be skeptical of:
- Unsolicited requests for money or payment.
- Offers that seem too good to be true.
- Threats or pressure to take immediate action.
Install and Update Security Software
Keep your devices protected by regularly updating your operating system, web browsers, and security software (antivirus, firewall).
Enable automatic updates for better protection.
Use tools like ad-blockers to reduce exposure to malicious ads.
Educate Yourself About Common Scams
Familiarize yourself with common online scams, such as phishing, lottery fraud, tech support scams, and fake e-commerce sites.
Knowing what to look for can help you spot suspicious activity more easily.
Regularly check resources like government consumer protection websites (e.g., FTC or Action Fraud).
Be cautious when giving out financial details online.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities (e.g., PNP Anti-Cyber Crime Group, NBI Cybercrime Division, your bank, the website administrator, or local consumer protection agencies).
Be vigilant always
I believe these can help prevent future scams and protect others from falling victim.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to online scams.
After all, in 1 Peter 5:8, it is written, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
