GCash is warning the public against the misuse of fake or illegal payment accounts, particularly those exploited by illegal gambling operators and other illicit entities.
The fintech leader reaffirmed its Zero Tolerance policy against any form of unlawful activity and reminded customers that GCash has no links to illegal gambling operators. Any site or group claiming otherwise is either misrepresenting GCash or illegally using the platform.
“Illegal online gambling undermines financial integrity and public welfare. GCash has no links to illegal gambling operators, anyone connecting our brand to these sites is either misrepresenting us or illegally using our platform,” said Oscar Enrico A. Reyes, Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI).
“We are working hand-in-hand with regulators and law enforcement to shut down illicit activity and protect our users.”
How to Stay Protected and Spot Fake or Illegal Accounts:
- QR scans sent via random links, chat apps, or social media posts
- “Too-good-to-be-true” offers such as gaming credits or quick-cash schemes
- Codes that don’t display an official merchant name or logo
- Transactions showing a personal name instead of a verified merchant
What Customers Should Do:
- Only scan QR codes from trusted merchants and billers
- Double-check payment details before confirming transactions
- Report suspicious activity through the GCash Help Center in-app, via hotline 2882, or through BSP Consumer Protection channels
Customers may also report directly to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group via hotline (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or email messagecenter.acg@pnp.gov.ph
Commitment to Consumer Protection:
As part of its Zero Tolerance commitment, GCash:
- Immediately blocks and suspends accounts linked to illegal transactions.
- Prohibits the misuse of payment QR codes for unlawful payments.
- Works closely with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and law enforcement agencies to detect, report, and shut down illicit activities.
Since 2023, GCash has already:
- Taken down over 57,000 phishing sites; and
- Reported 916 illegal online gaming sites to authorities.
These efforts reinforce GCash’s aggressive crackdown on illicit operators and its commitment to building a safer digital financial ecosystem.
“GCash is committed to ensuring that Filipinos can transact with confidence and peace of mind. We will continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with regulators and law enforcement to keep our platform safe,” the company said.