GCash, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc. has further strengthened its  security measures to safeguard its users from fraudsters and cybercriminals amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

“As the fight against the coronavirus ensues, we’re also waging a war against unscrupulous individuals who are taking advantage of this pandemic to defraud Filipinos,”  Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive said. 

“We want to ensure that GCash users who are dependent on our services have trust and confidence in our app, which is why we are doing everything we can to improve our own programs that promote cybersecurity awareness,” he added. 

GCash has ensured that users receive SMS, in-app and social media advisories against fraudulent pages, including fake donation drives and fake financial aid offers under the government’s social amelioration program.

App notifications informing customers not to share their account details were rolled out. As soon as a customer opens the GCash app, the reminder not to share any information such as MPINs and OTPs (one-time pins) with anyone can be seen. It has also taken a more active role in ensuring that fake social media advisories and accounts are taken down.

“We want to ensure that GCash users who are dependent on our services have trust and confidence in our app, which is why we are doing everything we can to improve our own programs that promote cybersecurity awareness,” Sazon said.

GCash has also partnered with authorities in fraud investigations, offering assistance and cooperating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

In May, GCash helped the NBI arrest three online swindlers who violated the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and committed estafa. The individuals asked for users’ personal details, including birth dates, addresses, authentication codes and email addresses.

“We are committed to ensuring that our users’ data is protected and that they enjoy the app safely and securely,” Sazon said. “This is why we’re always on the lookout at how we can intensify our drive against criminals who continue to sully the company’s name,” she added. 

Aside from these, GCash has also introduced  the Customer Protect program, wherein qualified users are assured of compensation for unauthorized financial transactions on their GCash app, arising from stolen mobile phones or identity theft.