'If there’s a link, it’s a scam': CICC cites gains vs cyber fraud

Improved digital literacy and sustained information drives by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the Philippine National Police have contributed to a decline in text and call scams, with authorities reiterating a simple warning: “If there’s a link, it’s a scam.”

CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso said the drop in phishing links, fake social media pages and even deepfake-driven deception is largely due to stronger public reporting and the expanded use of the 1326 National Anti-Scam Hotline.

In a radio interview, Paraiso said public reports to authorities and cybersecurity partners have become critical tools for faster enforcement and response.

"They (public reports) helps authorities, CICC, and the PNP identify patterns and respond to emerging threats. This can be a source for actionable intelligence. When scam data is responsibly shared, it allows us to spot patterns, trace digital footprints, and respond faster to emerging threats," Paraiso said.

Paraiso also reported a 38 percent decline in recorded cybercrimes nationwide in December, citing improved inter-agency coordination. However, he warned that scammers are adapting their tactics, shifting toward schemes that exploit emotions.

"Fear and greed (of the individual or public) are the target of the scammers," he said.

Paraiso cautioned that fraudsters may take advantage of Valentine’s season in February by sending text messages with malicious links tied to romantic themes. He said “love scams” are also expected to increase, as scammers profile potential victims through their social media activity.

"The offer (of scammers) tugma sa bias mo, dahil naprofile ka na. An informed citizenry, reporting these scammers, can flagged those numbers, tagging fraudulent," Paraiso said.

He added that consistent reporting could also lead to arrests by PNP operatives.