Phishing and link-based attacks have become the fastest-growing digital threat in the Philippines, according to the Whoscall 2025 Philippines Scam Report.
Data from the report, released by Gogolook Philippines—the cybersecurity firm behind the Whoscall anti-scam app—show that detected risky URLs surged from 13,602 in the first quarter to 49,431 by the end of 2025, nearly a fourfold increase.
Speaking at a press conference at the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday, Gogolook General Manager Mel Migriño said the sharp rise reflects how quickly scam tactics are evolving.
“Scammers are shifting from calls and texts toward malicious links and fake social media sites because uniform resource locators (URLs) are easier to spread, harder to verify, and far more scalable,” Migriño said.
She noted that scam calls and short message service (SMS) attacks declined year-on-year in some areas, lgely due to stronger filtering systems and enforcement measures. In contrast, phishing attacks using links—especially URLs embedded in messages and social media platforms—rose sharply.
Migriño called for coordinated action among government agencies, the private sector, and the public to counter the growing threat.
“Technology alone can’t solve this. We need to empower Filipinos with knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid scams before they take the bait,” she said.
She urged joint public awareness efforts, community training, and digital campaigns that convert scam data into practical guidance, while strengthening official reporting channels and support systems.
Migriño also encouraged consumers to take immediate steps to protect themselves, including using anti-scam tools such as Whoscall.
“Before you click a link or answer a call from an unknown number, pause and check,” she said.
At the same time, she warned businesses—particularly banks, e-wallet providers, e-commerce platforms, and other brands—about the growing risk of brand spoofing by scammers.
During the event, CICC Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso thanked Gogolook for its collaboration, citing the value of shared scam data.
“Turning public reports into valuable insights and for strengthening partnerships that help protect more Filipinos,” Paraiso said.
“This can be a source for actionable intelligence. When scam data is responsibly shared, it allows us to spot patterns, trace digital footprints, and respond faster to emerging threats,” he added.
PIXABAY PHOTO