Public Warned vs. QR Code Scam Amid Rising Cybercrimes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is urging the public to exercise extra caution in online transactions amid an emerging scam using fake quick-response (QR) codes. ACG director Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta warned of the 'quishing' scam, where fraudsters first contact potential victims by phone, claiming they have been selected to receive financial aid. The scammers then send a QR code for registration. Victims who scan this code subsequently discover significant amounts of money missing from their e-wallet accounts. A video message from the ACG showed scammers first calling potential victims, telling them that they had been chosen as recipients of financial assistance. The fraudsters then send a QR code for the victims to register. The victims subsequently notice that they have lost a huge amount of money from their e-wallet accounts. Based on data from the ACG, there were 4,509 cybercrimes from Jan. 1 to June 30. This is lower by 18.4 percent than the 5,526 cases during the same period in 2025. As the Philippines continues to embrace digital transformation, with rapid growth in online banking and e-payment services, such scams pose a significant threat. The increasing reliance on digital platforms, fueled by foreign investment and the thriving BPO sector, makes heightened public awareness and security practices crucial.