Common scam types in the Philippines
The scams Filipinos see most online — what they look like, the red flags, and how to avoid them.
Scammers reuse the same handful of tricks again and again. Learn the patterns once and you’ll spot most scams instantly — no matter what story comes with them.
How online scams usually work
Almost every online scam in the Philippines follows the same shape: build quick trust or urgency, move you off the platform, and get you to send money before you can verify anything. Once you know the pattern, the specific story matters less — the red flags are the same.
Scammers win in the few seconds between “this seems fine” and “I’ll just send it na.” That is exactly the moment TsekMuna is built for — paste the number, link, or screenshot and check before you pay.
If a stranger online is rushing you to send money, that pressure itself is the biggest red flag — slow down and verify.
Marketplace & reservation scams
A seller posts an attractive item, then pressures you to pay a deposit or the full amount before you can inspect or meet — and disappears after you send.
“Last stock na po! Pay the reservation fee now or I’ll release it to the next buyer.”
- “Pay ASAP para ma-reserve” or “last stock na”
- Refuses cash-on-delivery (COD) or a public meet-up
- Wants payment off-platform via GCash/Maya
- Brand-new account or no real reviews
- Use the platform’s protected checkout where possible
- Insist on COD or meeting in a safe public place
- Run the seller’s number through TsekMuna first
Fake delivery & parcel-fee scams
A text or email claims a parcel is on hold and asks you to pay a small “release,” “customs,” or “redelivery” fee through a link that steals your card or wallet details.
- You weren’t expecting a parcel
- Link domain isn’t the official courier
- Asks for a small fee or card details
- Creates urgency (“claim within 24 hours”)
- Track parcels only inside the official courier app
- Never enter card details on a link from SMS or email
- Paste the link into TsekMuna to check it
Phishing & fake verification links
A message claims your GCash, Maya, or bank account is “locked” or “needs verification,” linking to a fake login page built to capture your credentials and OTP.
“Your GCash account will be suspended. Verify now: gcash-verify-account.com/login”
- Link is not the official app or website
- Asks for your MPIN, OTP, or password
- Threatens suspension if you don’t act fast
- Open the official app directly — never via links
- GCash, Maya, and banks never ask for OTPs to “verify”
- Report and delete the message
OTP, SIM-swap & account-takeover scams
Someone pretends to be from your bank, e-wallet, or a shopee/lazada “seller support” and pressures you to read out the one-time PIN they just triggered — which lets them take over your account or approve a transfer.
- Anyone asking you to share an OTP or code
- Says it’s needed for a “refund” or “verification”
- Sudden loss of mobile signal (possible SIM-swap)
- Never share an OTP — not even with “bank staff”
- Hang up and call the number on your card instead
- If you lose signal unexpectedly, contact your telco immediately
Investment & “double your money” scams
You’re promised guaranteed, high, fast returns — crypto, forex, online “trading,” or a paluwagan-style scheme — often with pressure to recruit others to get paid.
- “Guaranteed” or “risk-free” returns
- Pressure to recruit friends and family
- Vague about how the profit is actually made
- Must pay a fee to “unlock” or withdraw your payout
- Be skeptical of any guaranteed return
- Check if the entity is SEC-registered
- Never invest money you cannot afford to lose
Job, loan & processing-fee scams
A “recruiter” or lending app offers a job, easy work-from-home income, or a fast loan — but you must first pay a processing, training, uniform, or “release” fee.
- Asks for payment to “secure” the job or loan
- Offer is far too good for the effort required
- Communication only through chat apps
- Loan app demands access to your contacts and gallery
- Legitimate employers and lenders never charge you upfront
- Research the company independently before paying anything
- Borrow only from SEC-registered lending companies
Romance & impersonation scams
An online partner you’ve never met — or someone impersonating a known person, celebrity, or brand — builds a relationship over weeks, then asks for money for an “emergency.”
- Avoids video calls or meeting in person
- A sudden emergency that needs funds
- Account doesn’t match the real person or brand
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Reverse-image-search their profile photos
- Talk to a trusted friend before acting
What ties them all together
Different stories, same playbook: urgency, an off-platform payment, and a reason you “can’t” verify right now. If you spot even one of these, stop and check before you send.
- Slow down — real sellers and agencies can wait a few minutes
- Verify the person or business on an official channel
- Run the number, link, or seller through TsekMuna
- When in doubt, don’t pay yet