CICC probes possible organized hacking behind GCash fund transfers

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is investigating the possibility of organized hacking targeting specific GCash accounts.

A coordinated breach may have caused the unauthorized widespread fund transfers over the weekend. 

READ: The top AI cybercrime threats and solutions

CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos said that after looking into the case of actress Pokwang (real name Marietta Tan Subong), the agency shifted its focus to a possible organized breach rather than a system glitch.

The 52-year-old comedienne claimed on her Instagram account that she lost P85,000 on her GCash account. Also, she alleged that the unauthorized fund transfers went into several accounts.

Ramos then urged Pokwang to cooperate with CICC and explain to the public what transpired. 

“She has to confirm and identify whose numbers are those that received the cash. Does she know them or not?” said the CICC executive.

“It confuses the general public as to the truth of the fact that happened to her GCash account,” he added.

The Inter-Agency Response Center (IARC) hotline has so far received 21 complaints on the unauthorized fund transfers over the weekend.

“That’s why we are encouraging victims of this organized breach, including Pokwang, to come forward to explain what really happened to their accounts,” Ramos said. 

For cybercrimes, organized hacking, and related complaints, contact the IARC hotline at 1326. This toll-free number is available 24/7, Mondays to Fridays, including holidays.