The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Monday said it would step up its information dissemination campaign against online scams and internet fraud.
This as the unit noted mounting cybercrime incidents over the past six months compared to the same period last year.
PNP-ACG records show that cybercrime incidents in Metro Manila totaled 6,250 from January to June this year, representing a 152-percent increase from the 2,477 incidents during the first half of 2022.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia said many internet subscribers were still unaware of the “click the link” scam which targets mobile wallets and online banking subscribers.
“The victim doesn’t know that if he or she clicks the link, it would lead to a site for updating bank details. If he or she falls into the scheme, there is a big possibility that the scammers would get a hold of his or her bank details, hence, the money would be transferred to another account,” Hernia said.
He also said they have also tapped stakeholders and mobile wallet providers for massive information dissemination and awareness campaigns against scams.
Hernia also cited the need to enhance the capability of cybercrimes in the conduct of investigations and the acquisition of more advanced equipment.
“I am happy that the Chief PNP (Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.) was formerly assigned to the ACG and he is supportive of our availability of subscriptions to the latest technologies against cybercrimes. He is also supportive of our training for our personnel so that we make sure that they are capable of investigating cybercrimes,” he added.
Hernia said they also continue to boost coordination with international counterparts to combat transnational cybercrimes.
“For now, we only have units up to the regional level and only 18 provinces have “cyberteams.” The strength of the ACG is only more than 800 and we still cannot afford to have teams at the station level,” he said.