A shocking new study reveals that attempts to defraud Filipinos are now a near-daily occurrence, with a majority of adults successfully targeted in the last twelve months. This data underscores the urgent need for a unified defense against digital fraud.
Alarming Scale of Fraud in the Philippines
Research released by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa) on December 19, 2025, paints a concerning picture. The nationwide survey of 1,000 adults found that six in 10 Filipino adults were successfully scammed at least once in the past year. Attempts reach consumers nearly every other day, primarily through channels that blend into daily life.
Text messages and messaging apps are the most common vectors for these fraud attempts. The study identified investment scams and unexpected money offers as the schemes Filipinos encounter most frequently. The emotional toll is significant, with many victims reporting feelings of stress and overwhelm, often realizing the deception only after it was too late.
A Collaborative Front Against Scammers
The findings were launched alongside the inauguration of the Gasa Philippines Chapter, a multi-sector initiative designed to strengthen the fight against scams. Derick Ohmar Adil, the head of AI and privacy governance at Globe Telecom, will chair the new chapter.
Gasa emphasized that the complex, cross-channel nature of modern scams demands a coordinated response. Telecom companies, technology platforms, government agencies, and other stakeholders must work together. "Scams today move fast across different channels. No single organization can fix this alone," stated Adil. "Collaboration is the only way forward."
Building a Safer Digital Future
Through its leadership role, Globe Telecom has committed to supporting public education campaigns, improving the sharing of threat intelligence, and helping to strengthen industry coordination. The Philippine chapter, with Gogolook and Meta Platforms serving as vice chairs, builds on earlier engagements with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The alliance's work is already underway, with plans in the coming months to:
- Refine policy recommendations to combat fraud.
- Align efforts across all relevant stakeholders.
- Roll out community education and awareness programs tailored to the specific risks faced by Filipino internet users.
The ultimate goal is to empower Filipinos to navigate the expanding digital space with greater confidence and significantly reduce their exposure to fraudulent schemes. As online activity grows, this multi-pronged, collaborative approach is seen as critical for national digital safety.
