While digital aguinaldo is “in” nowadays, a digital lawyer asked godparents to be careful in sending money as there could be posers claiming to be their “inaanaks.”
“They could be claiming to be their ‘inaanak,’ saying that they got a new number or had asked the number of their friend for sending their aguinaldo using the digital transfers. Do not be scammed,” said Click party-list first nominee Nick Conti.
Godparents give traditional “aguinaldo” or cash gifts to their “inaanak” during Christmas.
But with the emergence of new technology, even gift-giving went digital.
Conti called on Filipinos to exercise caution in their use of digital platforms, particularly during the holiday season, to avoid falling victim to scams and crimes.
“As the trend of sending digital ‘aguinaldo’ or monetary gifts online becomes more popular, we advise ninongs and ninangs to verify the identities of their inaanaks before transferring money. Scammers are getting more creative, and we must remain vigilant to protect our hard-earned money,” he said.
Click party-list (No. 34) outlined a few tips to ensure a scam-free Christmas:
- Ensure that the digital number is correct
- Call the “inaanak” if they are using a different number
- Check the amount being sent
- Make sure you are using a stable connection and not a public connection to avoid being hijacked
The party-list, which stands for Computer, Literacy, Innovation, Connectivity, and Knowledge, has long been an advocate for safe and responsible use of digital technology.
“While the spirit of Christmas is about giving, we should be careful against unscrupulous individuals out to take advantage of the season,” Conti added.
Meanwhile, Conti also echoed the call of authorities for the public to delay their social media postings or “at the moment” posts to avoid falling victim to the “akyat bahay” robbers.
“It is like you are saying nobody is in the house. Those posts can be made at a later date,” he said.
“Social media is a powerful tool, but it also exposes us to risks if not used responsibly. Posting your whereabouts in real-time can be an open invitation to criminals who monitor social media activity. We encourage everyone to think twice before clicking that ‘post’ button and to prioritize safety over instant gratification,” he added.
