One of the largest e-wallet and fintech platforms in the Philippines, GCash, recently issued a stern warning again, reminding the public to be vigilant against illegal online gambling and related scams, and clearly emphasized the company's zero tolerance policy towards any illegal activities. This move shows that as online gambling and scam activities continue to spread, GCash is further strengthening its defenses in consumer protection and financial security.
Public Warning: Do Not Be Misled by Illegal Operators
GCash pointed out that recently, some criminals have been impersonating its name, claiming to have a partnership with GCash, or using the GCash platform to collect illegal gambling funds. The company clarified that these groups have no association with GCash, and all related statements are false representations, constituting illegal use of the platform.
Oscar Enrico A. Reyes Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., stated in a declaration: "Illegal online gambling not only threatens the integrity of the financial system but also harms the overall public welfare of society. GCash has never established cooperation with any gambling operators, and those who link our brand with such websites are either maliciously distorting or blatantly abusing it illegally."
He also added that the company is closely working with the Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP), **Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC)**, and the police to comprehensively combat illegal operations and protect the funds of millions of users.
How to Identify and Prevent Illegal Accounts
GCash reminds consumers that illegal accounts and scam activities often have traceable signs. The following situations are considered typical "warning signals":
QR codes pushed through random links, chat applications, or social media;
Promotions that seem "too good to be true," such as high game points or quick cashback;
QR codes that do not display the official merchant name or LOGO;
Transaction information displayed as personal names rather than certified merchant accounts.
To avoid falling into traps, GCash advises users:
Only scan QR codes from trusted merchants and payees;
Always double-check payment details before confirming transactions;
If suspicious situations are encountered, immediately report them through the GCash app's help center, hotline 2882, or BSP consumer protection channels;
Users can also directly contact the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), hotline (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116, or submit reports via email messagecenter.acg@pnp.gov.ph.
Zero Tolerance Commitment: Actions and Results
On a practical level, GCash has explicitly committed:
Immediate freezing and suspension of all accounts linked to illegal transactions;
Fully prohibiting the use of payment QR codes for illegal payments;
Continuously maintaining coordination with the central bank, anti-money laundering council, and law enforcement agencies to detect, report, and stop illegal operations promptly.
Since 2023, GCash has:
Shut down over 57,000 phishing websites;
Reported 916 illegal online gambling websites to relevant authorities.
These figures not only highlight the rampant nature of illegal online activities but also demonstrate GCash's firm stance in "purifying the digital financial ecosystem."
Building a Safe Ecosystem: Consumer Protection at the Core
GCash states that its primary goal is to ensure that Filipino users have a secure and trustworthy experience in any online transaction. In the future, the company will continue to invest resources to strengthen security systems, using more advanced risk control measures to track and block suspicious accounts. Meanwhile, GCash will maintain close cooperation with government regulatory bodies to promote the establishment of a healthier, more transparent digital financial environment.
The company urges users to remain vigilant, not be deceived by high returns, and actively cooperate with reporting channels to maintain a safe financial ecosystem.
Conclusion
With the rapid popularization of online payments and financial technology in the Philippines, GCash is not only a payment tool but also a "frontier post" for public financial safety. By continuously reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance and actively taking action, GCash is combining "financial innovation" with "consumer protection," striving to lead the industry in combating illegal gambling and online scams.
