Philippines tops 11 Asian countries with highest shopping scam rate —study

The Philippines has topped the list of Asian countries with the highest shopping scam rate at 35.9%, according to a study. 

Out of 11 countries in Asia, the 2023 Asia Scam Report found that Filipinos are most vulnerable to fraudulent shopping schemes online. 

At least 24.8% of the Filipino victims cited "responding too quickly to the scammer's demands" as the main reason for falling victim to scams; around 21.1% chose to take a risk despite uncertainty about the risk; and 20.5% were enticed by offered incentives.

The study also found the victims encountered the scheme through text messages, social media, and e-mail. 

About 20,000 respondents in the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia participated in the research conducted by the non-profit organization Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Taiwan-based tech company Gogolook. 

“May tatlong factors na ginagamit ang mga scammers para ma-exploit tayo o maloko tayo,” said technology expert Art Samaniego in Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday. 

(There are 3 factors that scammers use to exploit us.)

“Una, curiosity natin. Pangalawa, fear natin, takot natin o mga pangamba natin. Ime-message ka na made-deactivate ‘yugn account mo pag di movinerify ‘kung identity mo. Kailangan i-click mo. ‘Pag nag-click ka dadalhin ka sa fake na page. Ang pantatlong factor, greed. Ine-expect natin na kikita tayo nang malaki,” Samaniego said. 

(First is curiosity. Second is fear. They will send messages that your account will be deactivated if you will not verify your identity then you will be redirected to a fake site. Third is greed. We expect huge revenues.)

To prevent falling victim to fraud, the technology expert advised the public to ignore offers by strangers, and report scammers. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, reminded the public to remain vigilant while shopping online. 

“Mag-ingat po tayo. Makipag-deal po tao sa mga authorized na online selling applications para sigurado kayo na mayroong warranty ang binibili ninyo. Once na nagpadala kayo ng pera, makakarating sa inyo ang inyong inorder,” said PNP Spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo. 

(Let’s be cautious. Deal with authorized online selling applications to make sure the item you are buying has a warranty.) —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News