- Four out of five Filipino adults encountered at least one scam attempt in the past year, highlighting how fraudsters continue to exploit the digital platforms people use for everyday communication and transactions.
- The figure climbed to 84% in 2026 from 77% in 2025, according to the State of Scams Philippines 2026 Report released by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in collaboration with Mastercard and Gogolook.
- Based on a survey of 1,160 Filipino adults, the report estimated that respondents encountered an average of 151 scam attempts each over the past year.
Four out of five Filipino adults encountered at least one scam attempt in the past year, highlighting how fraudsters continue to exploit the digital platforms people use for everyday communication and transactions.
The figure climbed to 84% in 2026 from 77% in 2025, according to the State of Scams Philippines 2026 Report released by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in collaboration with Mastercard and Gogolook.
Based on a survey of 1,160 Filipino adults, the report estimated that respondents encountered an average of 151 scam attempts each over the past year.
It also placed potential annual losses at ₱121.8 billion. This estimate was derived from survey responses rather than verified financial records or official reports. Around 15% of respondents said they had lost money or personal data, with affected individuals reporting an average loss of ₱10,427.
Digital wallets become a more common target
The methods used by scammers also changed over the past year. Abuse involving digital wallets increased sharply, with the share of respondents who encountered this tactic rising from 34% in 2025 to 73% in 2026.
Meanwhile, the use of bank account transfers by scammers fell from 38% to 12%. The report identified the Philippines as the only Southeast Asian country where this method declined during the period.
Scam attempts also reached people through familiar online channels. Instant messaging applications accounted for 39% of reported approaches, while social media posts accounted for 36%. Overall, 88% of scam attempts took place on platforms with direct messaging features.
Despite 58% of respondents expressing confidence in their ability to identify scams, 60% of those who encountered one still interacted with it.
Scams take a toll beyond financial losses
The consequences can extend well beyond money stolen. Around 82% of scam victims said their experience negatively affected their mental well-being, while 22% reported being unable to afford basic necessities afterward.
The report also found that one in five parents said their child had experienced a scam.
Yet many incidents never reach authorities. Only 4% of all respondents said they reported a scam to the proper agencies. Among those who lost money, the reporting rate was higher at 29%.
Report calls for stronger coordination against scams
To improve the country's response, the report recommended creating a national coordinating body that would help agencies exchange intelligence and respond more quickly to emerging threats. It also proposed a shared case management system to make coordination and investigations more efficient.
The report pointed to initiatives such as the National Anti-Scam Hub as a way to strengthen information sharing and speed up action against fraudulent activities.
GASA Asia Pacific director Brian Hanley emphasized that scam figures represent real people whose trust and financial security have been affected.
Mastercard Philippines country manager Jason Crasto also stressed the need for cooperation between government agencies and private organizations, while Gogolook Philippines country head and general manager Nel Migrino highlighted tools that help users and businesses identify suspicious communications.
For KKBuddies, the findings are a reminder to stay cautious even when a message, caller, or online offer appears to come from a familiar platform. Verify requests through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share passwords, one-time PINs, or other sensitive account details with unverified contacts.