The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) reported Wednesday that the government’s simplified warning — “If there’s a link, it’s a scam” — is successfully curbing text and call fraud across the country.
CICC executive director Renato Paraiso said in a radio interview that recorded cybercrimes nationwide dropped 38 percent in December. He attributed the decline to improved inter-agency coordination, a decrease in phishing links and fake social media pages, and a higher public reliance on the 1326 National Anti-Scam Hotline.
Reporting by the public to the CICC and the Philippine National Police (PNP) has become a critical tool for law enforcement, Paraiso said.
“Public reports help authorities identify patterns and respond to emerging threats,” Paraiso said. “When scam data is responsibly shared, it allows us to trace digital footprints and respond faster.”
Despite the downward trend, Paraiso warned that fraudsters are evolving their tactics. He noted that scammers often target human emotions, specifically “fear and greed,” to deceive victims.
With February approaching, officials are bracing for a surge in “love scams.” Paraiso explained that criminals often profile potential victims through social media accounts to tailor their approach.
“The offer matches your bias because you have been profiled,” Paraiso said. He warned that scammers will likely blast text messages containing malicious links themed around Valentine’s Day.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious numbers to the 1326 hotline, noting that such reports have already led to several arrests by PNP operatives.