PNP says online scams top cybercrime complaint list | Cyber Crime

By Francis T. Wakefield

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said online scams get the most number of  complaints received and investigated by the its Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG).

(Credits: Reuters | Kacper Pempel | Manila Bulletin file photos)

According to ACG Acting Director Police Senior Superintendent Marni C. Marcos Jr., the group has investigated a total of 555 online scam cases from 2016 up to present, which falls under the Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code or Swindling (Estafa). Of this number, 44 were filed this year,

Around 522 cases are recorded under online libel, 226 under online threat, 202 under anti-photo and video voyeurism, 197 under computer related identity theft, and 127 under hacking.

Other cases being investigated by PNP-ACG are unjust vexation, sextortion, ATM and credit card fraud, child abuse, illegal access, child pornography, and violence against women and children.

“With the increasing number of Internet users there is also an increase in the opportunity for cyber-criminals to do their illegal online activities,” Marcos said.

The online scam complaints were reported by victims of online buying/selling, paluwagan, investment, pyramid and other forms of online fraud.

Tags: complaints, cybercrime, Manila Bulletin, online scam, Philippine National Police, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), PNP Says Online Scam Tops Cybercrime Complaint