The Philippine National Police (PNP) and mobile e-wallet GCash warned the public against illegal raffle promotions that sell online tickets for cash prizes during the yuletide season.
Gcash said the warning comes as part of its thrust to build a financially inclusive and safe cashless ecosystem by educating users on the modus of scammers, fraudsters, and cyber criminals.
The two organizations also reminded users that all such promotional activities, including those online, should have a license to operate issued by the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
GCash cited an incident involving the social media page ‘Tipsy D Garage’ which, according to PAGCOR, was operating illegally, prompting an investigation by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arranging the necessary operation.
The PNP ACG, aided by GCash, implemented a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD) protocol, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of computers and mobile phones used in their operation.
Six suspects were later arrested and charged with the violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602 (illegal gambling).
The suspects were identified as Mark Kevin Borbon Andrade; Jeffrey Gatbonton Siron; Cedric Oneal Obordo; Adrian Gregorio Diaz; Jerele Bautista Javier; and Jedric Ambrocio Siron.
“Let us continue to fight scammers, fraudsters, and cybercrime by being aware and properly informed about their mode of operations. This can make everyone a step ahead of these perpetrators,” said GCash vice president and head of corporate communications Gilda Maquilan.