A father and child happily join the parade, giving us a touching moment and another reason to strengthen our commitment to inclusivity.
MANILA, Philippines – Nagbabala ang online advocacy group na Scam Watch Pilipinas (PH) laban sa kumakalat na pekeng “Father’s Day Ayuda” program na gumagamit ng pangalan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at GCash upang makapanloko ng mga biktima.
Ayon kay Scam Watch PH co-founder Jocel De Guzman, nakarehistro ang website na ginagamit sa scam sa pamamagitan ng isang China-based domain registrar, isang karaniwang pamamaraan sa mga phishing at online fraud campaign.
“What makes the campaign particularly dangerous is its use of Facebook and other social media platforms to spread rapidly. Victims are instructed to share the supposed aid program with at least five contacts before proceeding with the claim process,” ani De Guzman.
Matapos ibahagi ang link, hinihingan ang mga biktima ng personal na impormasyon gaya ng mobile number at kalaunan ay pinapapasok ng isang “verification code” na sinasabing kailangan upang makuha ang ayuda.
Binalaan ni De Guzman na ang naturang code ay kadalasang One-Time Password (OTP) na maaaring gamitin ng mga cybercriminal upang makapasok sa mga bank account, e-wallet, social media account at iba pang online service.
“This verification code is often the One-Time Password (OTP) sent by banks, e-wallet providers, social media platforms, or other online services. Once victims disclose the OTP, cybercriminals can gain access to accounts, perform unauthorized transactions, take over social media profiles, or use compromised accounts to spread additional scams,” aniya.
Iginiit niya na hindi kailanman hinihingi ng mga lehitimong kumpanya at programa ng gobyerno ang OTP, password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), o anumang account verification code.
“If you see an offer that promises cash assistance in exchange for sharing a link, providing personal information, or entering an OTP, stop immediately. Legitimate government programs do not operate that way,” aniya.
Hinimok din ni De Guzman ang publiko na beripikahin ang anumang programang ayuda sa pamamagitan ng mga opisyal na channel ng DSWD at maging maingat sa mga alok na nangangako ng madaling pera kapalit ng personal na impormasyon. Santi Celario
