Cybercrime Complaints Surge to Over 10,000 in 2024, Reports CICC

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) reported a dramatic increase in cybercrime complaints in 2024, with a total of 10,004 cases filed, a sharp rise from the 3,317 complaints recorded in the previous year. CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos highlighted that the financial impact of these cybercrimes amounted to nearly PHP198 million in losses for victims last year. Ramos credited the surge in reported incidents to heightened public awareness and a greater readiness to report cybercrimes. He noted that in earlier years, many victims were unaware of being scammed or did not know where to report such incidents. Among the complaints, consumer fraud topped the list with 3,534 cases, representing 35% of the total, primarily involving non-delivery of goods or services and deceptive advertisements. Online fraud followed closely with 3,242 cases, or 32% of the total, encompassing financial fraud, impersonation, job and investment scams, and romance scams. Other reported cybercrimes included unsolicited communications, illegal access, identity theft, sexual cybercrimes, phishing, and cyberlibel. Ramos pointed out that GCash was the most commonly used digital wallet among victims of consumer fraud, online fraud, and phishing, with losses totaling PHP76.49 million. Other platforms affected included BPI, with losses of PHP28.47 million, GoTyme at PHP15.38 million, and PayMaya at PHP13.99 million. Ramos urged scam victims to reach out to the government’s toll-free hotline at 1326, which is available 24/7, including holidays.