Estimated 121.8 Billion Pesos Lost to Scams in the Philippines Over the Past Year — 73% of Victims Sent Money via E-Wallets

📌 International survey results reported on October 9–10 estimate that Filipino adults lost approximately 121.8 billion pesos to scams over the past year. Released by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in partnership with Mastercard and Gogolook, the "2026 State of Scams in the Philippines" report shows that the vast majority of those who lost money transferred funds to scammers via e-wallets.

■ Survey Details
· Estimates are based on a survey conducted from March 16 to April 13, 2026, and do not represent the total number of cases reported to authorities.
· 15% of respondents lost money, with an average loss of 10,427 pesos per victim.
· The number of adults who fell victim is estimated at approximately 11.7 million.
· 84% of adults experienced at least one scam attempt over the past year, up from 77% in 2025.
· The most common types of scams were shopping scams (24%), investment scams (22%), and job scams (22%).

■ Channels Where Money Was Lost
· 73% of victims who lost money sent funds via e-wallets. The comparison figure of 34% varies by report — Asian average (Philstar), 2025 Philippines figure (The Manila Times).
· Bank account transfers dropped to 12%, down from 36% in 2025.
· Scammers primarily reached out through messenger apps (39%) and social media posts (36%).
· Only 4% of all respondents reported the incident to authorities, and only 29% among those who actually lost money.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· If online shopping, investment, or job offers require you to send money via e-wallets like GCash first, be suspicious.
· For unfamiliar transaction offers initiated via messenger or social media, always verify the other party's identity before proceeding.
· If you have been victimized, immediately report it to your bank or e-wallet provider and the police to minimize further damage.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/10), The Manila Times (10/9) — Number of adult victims, 84% figure, and scam type percentages are from Philstar; bank transfers, access channels, and reporting rates are from The Manila Times (verified by 1 outlet)