Sen. Hontiveros Warns of Alarming Rise in Guerilla Scams Post-POGO Ban
Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighted the rise of “guerilla scam operations” after the government banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). During a Senate discussion on the 2025 budget for the Department of Information and Communications and Technology (DICT), she noted that these new scams are harder to detect because they do not use POGOs as a cover anymore.
Hontiveros asked how the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC) plans to address this issue. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsored the budget proposal, responded that the CICC has apprehended 11 scam hubs, working with law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He mentioned that the CICC has technology to locate scam hubs and operates a hotline for reporting scams.
After a Senate investigation into POGO-related crimes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the ban on POGOs in July. When questioned about tackling text scams that impersonate banks and e-wallets, Gatchalian explained that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications companies to be strict with SIM card issuance. As of September 2024, the NTC blocked 2.22 billion SMS, deactivated 2.31 million SIM cards, and blacklisted 10.79 million numbers.
Interview with Cybercrime Specialist Dr. Elena Cruz on Rising Guerilla Scam Operations
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cruz. We want to discuss the recent concerns raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros regarding the rise of guerilla scam operations following the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Can you elaborate on what these operations entail and why they are harder to detect?
Dr. Elena Cruz: Thank you for having me. Guerilla scam operations are a shift from the more traditional schemes associated with POGOs. These operations are characterized by their stealth and adaptability; they do not rely on physical locations, allowing them to evade authorities more effectively. Instead of creating large, visible operations, scammers are using more decentralized and agile tactics, such as online scams that blend seamlessly into legitimate activities.
NewsDirectory3: Senator Hontiveros mentioned the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC) and their efforts to tackle these issues. How effective do you think their current strategy is?
Dr. Elena Cruz: The CICC has made commendable progress by apprehending scam hubs and collaborating with law enforcement agencies like the PNP and NBI. Their use of technology to locate these hubs is essential, and the establishment of a hotline for reporting scams provides a crucial channel for community assistance. However, these measures need to be continually adapted to respond to the evolving landscape of cybercrime.
NewsDirectory3: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian discussed the role of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in regulating telecommunications to combat scams. How significant is their approach in addressing text-based scams that impersonate banking services?
Dr. Elena Cruz: The NTC’s actions are significant in mitigating the risk of text-based scams. Blocking billions of SMS and deactivating millions of suspicious SIM cards is a strong move toward protecting consumers. However, the challenge remains in continuously monitoring and refining these strategies, as scammers often find new ways to exploit loopholes. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial in educating users on how to spot and report scams.
NewsDirectory3: Gatchalian also pointed out a shift in scam tactics, particularly the emergence of anonymous texts offering properties for sale. What should the public be wary of in this particular context?
Dr. Elena Cruz: The rise of property-related scams is alarming. These scams typically involve attractive offers that seem too good to be true, often leveraging urgency to pressure individuals into making hasty decisions. The public should be skeptical of unsolicited offers and always verify the legitimacy of the source before engaging with such offers. Practicing due diligence and consulting professionals can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams.
NewsDirectory3: Given the current landscape, what further actions do you believe need to be taken to combat these emerging scams effectively?
Dr. Elena Cruz: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. Continuous collaboration between different government agencies, the private sector, and the public is essential. Technology will play a pivotal role; advancements in AI and data analytics can enhance detection capabilities. Moreover, public education campaigns should be ramped up to empower individuals to recognize and report suspicious activities. Lastly, legislative measures that adapt to the changing technology landscape will be vital in providing the legal framework needed to combat these scams effectively.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cruz. It’s clear that while significant steps have been taken, there is still much work to be done to safeguard the public against these evolving threats.
Dr. Elena Cruz: Thank you for having me. Awareness and vigilance are key in this fight against cybercrime.
Gatchalian noted that the NTC is working to cut down on spam texts but acknowledged there is still more work to do. He identified a new scam tactic involving anonymous texts offering properties for sale, which seems to have replaced fake job offers.