Authorities in Pangasinan warned the public against a rising wave of “call bot” scams that use automated systems and artificial intelligence to trick victims into giving away sensitive financial information.

The warning comes as more residents report suspicious calls from unknown numbers, with scammers allegedly posing as bank employees, delivery personnel or government workers to gain access to online banking accounts and e-wallets.

Jenny Prestoza, a business owner, said her family became more cautious after her uncle lost 25,000 pesos from his e-wallet to a scam.

“Actually, na-encounter ng uncle ko, bale sumagot siya ng sumagot. Mag-i-instruct sila, punta ka rito, punta ka doon tapos hanggang sa naano niya yung GCash at na-invalid,” Prestoza said.

Rico Raborar, a delivery rider, said he also avoids answering unfamiliar calls, especially those coming from abroad.

“Minsan pag di namin kilala, di na namin sinasagot lalo na kung may ibang bansa na tumatawag,” he said.

Police said scammers often use recorded or AI-generated voices that can imitate real people, making the calls appear legitimate.

“Minsan niri-record nila ‘yung pagsagot niyo ng mga tawag, halimbawa ‘yung pagsagot niyo ng yes. Gagamitin po nila ‘yan for another transaction,” Police Major Franklin Lakana, team leader of the Pangasinan Anti-Cybercrime Group, said.

Authorities said the fraud usually involves callers pretending to represent trusted institutions in an attempt to obtain passwords, account details and other sensitive information related to online banks and e-money platforms.

“‘Pag nanggaling sa mga first world country. ‘Pag hindi na ano (gumagana) ‘yung mga schemes doon, papunta na po ‘yan sa atin sa mga third world countries naman po,” Lakana said.

Police advised the public not to answer unregistered calls, to block suspected spam numbers, and to directly contact official hotlines of banks or institutions if they receive suspicious calls.