As scammers continue to get crafty with their tricks, particularly on social networking sites such as Facebook, the anti-cybercrime unit of the Police Regional Office-1 warned the public to be vigilant and be mindful of their  online activities.

Lt. Col. Greg Guerrero, assistant chief of the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Police Regional Office I, said a wrong click on a link posted online may lead to scams.

Identity theft, extortion, and blackmail:
 

With this kind of deceit that seems to be the trend nowadays, Guerrero responded, “If they receive links, do not open or click those because through that, the scammers will be able to access emails, next the passwords, social media accounts, and then the bank accounts.”

He explained, "When we open such links and enter our one-time passwords, scammers can quickly withdraw all the money from our account."

He explained, "When we open such links and enter our one-time passwords, scammers can quickly withdraw all the money from our account."

He also mentioned that he receives the same fraudulent messages that contain links from unknown individuals which he immediately deletes.

He explained, “Even if there are no nude pictures or sex videos [in the accounts], the scammers will say that they have those in their possession, they can easily edit photos and videos with any face, especially now that there is Artificial Intelligence. They will use it to extort money or blackmail the victims in exchange of [sexual activity].”

Covid-19 telecom fraud, what to do if one receives a call:
 

In this scam, victims get calls from unfamiliar numbers, informing them of exposure to someone with Covid-19.

The person on the other end will say they will personally conduct the test at the victim’s house but they first need to send their payment to the perpetrator’s account.

The Philippine National Police advises to end the conversation, block the number, and save screenshots of the messages and call logs.

These incidents should also be reported immediately to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit or the nearest police station.

Online shopping scam, how to be safe:

With everyone’s penchant for online shopping, it has also become a hot target for the fraudsters.

According to the police, one should always ensure that they only order from legitimate websites to avoid getting conned.

Often, prices for items offered in fraudulent sites and by con sellers are much cheaper than in trusted shops. 

The payment method they prefer is also frequently through remittance centers and not via online banking which is supposed to be more convenient.

One should also be suspicious if the name of the receiver is different from the name of the individual they were transacting with.

In addition, hackers send messages that create urgency and shock, aiming to impair victims' clear thinking before they transfer large sums of money.

How the authorities tend to these cases:

Guerrero explained the victims must inform the police immediately when they experience any type of scam.

The police will then apply for a warrant to disclose computer data from the court.

He said, “For instance, in Globe or Smart, or in LBC or Palawan, we will serve the warrant to legally acquire the name behind the account as well as their address.”

Moreover, among their initiatives is providing necessary training to their colleagues, more importantly the investigators, so that they are knowledgeable of the process in dealing with cybercrime in their own jurisdictions, and so that they can address the concerns of the victims properly.

He reminded the public, “Do not click any link you receive. That is the number that they should keep in mind.” (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)