DUE to the implementation of SIM card registration in the country, scammers have found a way of expanding their fraudulent operation through hacking online accounts and pages, particularly Facebook and emails, an official from the Regional Cybercrime Unit-Davao Region (RACU-Davao) said in Wednesday’s AFP-PNP Press Conference on August 30, 2023.
“Marami pa rin ang nare-report sa atin on illegal access with regard sa social media account [this is] due to the SIM card registrations. Nag-evolve na sila yung mga scammers natin (We have been receiving reports that scammers are using social media. Scammers are evolving due to the current SIM card registrations),” Police Community Relations (PCR) PMaj. Julius Santilla said.
He also said that these so-called cyber predators circulating on online platforms are asking for money by messaging and sending you sheets or links where you can put your personal information and even digital and bank accounts.
When asked about how to easily spot scam accounts online, the official said that it is very important to look at their number of followers, following, friends, and the blue mark check or META verification.
“Unang-una, before you engaged sa online, tingnan nyo muna kung legitimate ba ang account ng kausap nyo (First of all, before you engage online, check if the account of the person you are talking to is legitimate) he said.
The SIM Registration Act, officially designated as Republic Act No. 11934 and commonly referred to as the SIM card law, is a Philippine law mandating the registration of SIM cards before activation. The law aims to curb cybercriminal activities, especially text scamming. It was also enacted to address concerns related to trolling, hate speech, and online disinformation.
Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an advisory against Bagong Bansang Maharlika (BBM) International Inc. which has operations within SEC-Davao’s Area of Responsibility and even on social platforms. BBM lures its potential members by offering medical, livelihood, food security, free education, and cash assistance to senior citizens in exchange for P100, allegedly for the issuance of their identification cards.
“The public is advised not to join the scheme offered by any individual or entity representing BBM International Inc. or those non-stock organizations engaged in similar activities as BBMII”
the agency announced.
As of writing, RACU-Davao has yet to release data and the total number of online scam-related incidents in Davao City for the first quarter of 2023. DEF