The Philippine National Police has ramped up efforts to combat a surge in online scams as the Christmas season approaches. Acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that cybercriminals are growing more aggressive amid increased holiday spending. Authorities are focusing on common fraud schemes like fake deliveries and phishing attempts.
In Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its monitoring of online shopping scams and fake delivery schemes, as fraudulent activities escalate ahead of Christmas. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted that cybercriminals are exploiting the rise in holiday spending and parcel traffic, leading to a notable increase in fraud reports over recent weeks.
“The threat level is high. Fraud cases always rise during Christmas, but this year scammers are more aggressive, especially online,” Nartatez stated. He has directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to enhance surveillance on scam hotspots, suspicious websites, and online sellers, including the deployment of “holiday cyber patrols” to monitor phishing campaigns, fake advertisements, and other emerging threats.
The most prevalent schemes include online shopping frauds, parcels demanding cash on delivery for un-ordered items, phishing links, and impersonation efforts. Scammers often entice victims with deals that seem too good to be true. To counter these, the PNP is prioritizing entrapment operations targeting delivery scam groups, fake online sellers, phishing syndicates, and those harvesting SIM cards or one-time passwords.
Investigators are also probing potential connections between local fraud networks and foreign operations. The PNP is bolstering ties with major courier services, online marketplaces, and payment platforms to prevent the spread of fake parcels. Nartatez urged the public to report any suspicious deliveries or accounts via the 911 emergency system for prompt investigation and flagging.