Published December 15, 2022, 12:02 AM
The most wonderful time of the year need not be the most horrific, traumatic, and exhausting experience of your life, especially when you get the shock upon discovering that your credit card has already been “maxed out” with purchases that you didn’t do.
It is this time of the year that the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by its Anti-Cybercrime Group, is warning the public to be more cautious against online scams and clickbaits — those used by virtual scammers to lure victims, knocking on their generosity (and vulnerability) in this season of giving.
“Scammers will take advantage of special days or major events like Christmas to fleece people of their money or personal information,” according to a statement from the PNP. “Be cautious every time you get an email (that) asks you to click on a link. Exercise due diligence especially this holiday season as you are making online purchases. Make it a season of awareness to everything around you. Do not easily trust.”
The PNP reminds netizens of the various popular holiday season scams that they should look out for. There are “online shopping scams,” where scammers will set up fake online stores or post goods for sale in buy swap-sell groups or online classified sites to trick people into buying items that do not exist.
“Many of these websites offer luxury items such as popular brands of clothing, jewelry, and electronics at very low prices. Sometimes you will receive the item you paid for but they may be fake. At times, you may receive nothing at all. A newer version of online shopping scams involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores,” according to the PNP.
Tugging at the heart of innocent victims, the PNP warns of a high volume of “fake charities scams” this December. “Fake charities are among the most popular holiday scams, soliciting from consumers over the phone, email, and through direct mail. Scammers will pose as either agents of legitimate well-known charities or create their own charity name. Scammers set up fake websites, which look similar to those operated by real charities.” Some scammers may call or email you and request for donations or even ask for your credit card details.
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Awareness is just half of the battle. The PNP further advises the public to exercise due diligence — going directly to the official website of a hotel or airline; researching about the charity before sending a donation; withholding of personal info, credit card details, or online passwords to strangers; avoiding clicking on dubious links that promise easy money or fast return of investments, etc.
Just 10 days before Christmas, scammers are working double, even triple time to siphon your hard-earned 13th month pay and bonuses. They are even working 24 hours as effective Dec. 27, 2022, users are required to register their SIM cards within 180 days from the effectivity of the law, with an extended registration period of not longer than 120 days.
Being extra generous this season may be acceptable, but not to online scammers, fraudsters, and hackers who are on Santa’s “naughty” list. May they be gifted with the full punishment of the law and celebrate future holidays behind bars.
