Top anti-cybercrime agencies have launched an anti-fraud campaign this summer season with leading finance app GCash. Online Bantay Lakbay 2024 is a joint anti-travel scam campaign of Scam Watch Pilipinas, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC), and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT). The campaign aims to protect the public from online travel scams, particularly during the summer holidays. Online Bantay Lakbay was launched at the Parañaque
The launch of the Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) drew the attendance of officials from various government agencies, including Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr.
“Gilda Maquilan, Vice President for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at GCash, emphasized the company’s commitment to trust and security, extending beyond the GCash app. She highlighted the collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to raise public awareness on protecting against scammers and supporting law enforcement in apprehending fraudsters, as part of building a secure digital ecosystem for all.
The DICT and DOTr acknowledged GCash as a crucial partner in their campaign, citing the company’s status as the largest cashless ecosystem in the country and its dedication to online security through the #GSafeTayo initiative. GCash has produced educational banners to be prominently displayed in airport terminals (T1-4), Mactan, Clark, and Bohol, as well as distributed at 44 seaports, 81 bus terminals, and 22 train stations nationwide.
Furthermore, the DICT and DOTr emphasized the importance of reporting scams and fraud by urging users to send a message to 1326 during the summer holidays. GCash echoed this sentiment, reiterating its warning for users never to disclose their MPIN and OTP.
The Online Bantay Lakbay campaign identifies common scams, such as fake online travel and accommodation bookings, deceptive online ticket sales on social media, fake Wi-Fi networks used for phishing, counterfeit cash schemes, and more. The campaign aims to empower users with knowledge to detect and avoid potential scams during their holiday travels.
The launch of Online Bantay Lakbay serves as a resolute stance against perpetrators of scams while educating users to remain vigilant and aware of potential threats during their holiday season.
For more information, please visit https://www.gcash.com.
