As the world moves into a new normal, cashless payments were seen to be on the rise. GCash, one of the most used app wallets in the country, is not immune to those who want to take advantage of its customer base. Here are some of the most common scams to not fall for, and how to avoid falling for one.
Gcash, for instance, has posted a 200% increase in the number of installations from the period of March to April 15.
GCash Customer Service on Messenger, Twitter
Why you should not: GCash has long removed their social media helpdesks, so what is left are just GCash customer service center wannabees pretending to care when all they want is to hack into your account. They try to make their way into your account by asking you for your MPIN and authorization OTP to reset your account and subsequently milk out your wallet to another account.
What you should do instead: Get help from official channels only. You can call 2882 from your Globe number, or use the in-app Help and Support Menu to submit a ticket request or chat with a live agent during working hours.
Phishing links
Why you should not: SMS or Emails pretending to be GCash, like the common modus on credit card issuers, are not actually helpful. Really.
What you should do instead: Avoid clicking on any suspicious links from unknown sources. Also, it’s best to always check on the email sender — the emails should come from one domain –mynt.xyz.
Spoofing messages
Why you should not: Spoofing, as defined, is the act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known, trusted source. Recent cases point out to various scammers doing great lengths to spoof the 2882 mobile number, gaining access to unsuspecting customers.
What you should do instead: GCash will never, EVER, do system maintenance on day hours unless it’s really urgent, which are usually announced on their social media page. System maintenance hours are done on off-peak hours (i.e midnight) and is announced a week or two prior to ensure that there are fewer people affected. Advisories of system maintenance also come from the sender named GCASH, not 2882.
GCash Mastercard resellers
Why you should not: As we checked, there were several instances of customers reporting unauthorized transactions because of Gcash Prepaid cards that they bought from resellers or unauthorized channels.
What you should do instead: The best way to purchase a GCash Mastercard is through the GCash app, too. On Pay Bills, click on Payment Solutions, then GCash Mastercard. Alternatively, they also have an online portal for those who want to avail this. Delivery may take 5-15 business days, but it’s all worth it for the P150 you’ll spend.
People asking for your MPINs
Why you should not: An MPIN (Mobile PIN) is similar to a password for your account, or a PIN for your ATM. Like in any other transaction for other banks or even your accounts. revealing this to others will likely result in scammers getting a hold of your account and using the stored wallet money for transfers or
What you should do: The first rule of every account: Never, EVER, share your MPIN to anyone. GCash will also never ask for your MPIN, like how Facebook would not ask for your password during support requests.
We hope we enlightened you with some of the most common GCash scams to not fall for, the next time they come and target you. How’s your GCash experience so far? Leave it down the comments section.
