Govt eyes probe vs social media influencers endorsing online gambling apps

The DICT is set to look into social media influencers who endorse online gambling apps to their followers.

File photo: DICT logo

The government vs online gambling apps

According to a TV Patrol report, Alex Ramos, executive director of the DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, said the department plans to go after social media influencers who attract their followers into downloading and using online gambling apps that are possibly used to scam.

Ang next natin na titirahin dito will be the influencers eh because apparently, alam mo mga milyon, daang libo 'yung kanilang mga followers, dapat i-take down din 'yung kanilang mga promotion on gambling, he said.

This came after the recent issue involving the e-wallet GCash, where users claimed they suddenly lost funds in their accounts.

GCash, later on, clarified that no hacking occurred and that the phishing happened outside of the app. Account balances were also corrected within 24 hours.

According to technology expert Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin, the common factor among those who lost funds in their accounts is that they are all into online gambling.

Ang common na app na nandito sa mga taong na-scam 'to, 'yung gambling apps. 'Yung ine-endorse ng mga sikat na influencer, he noted.

Hihingin n'ya yung MPIN para 'pag nagrecharge ka ng pera doon sa wallet sa game mo diretso na yun sa GCash, hindi ka na hihingan ng OTP, he added.

Following the incident, GCash is reminding its users to be mindful of links or text messages they receive.

Here are some tips on protecting yourself from these online scammers.

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Via: ABS-CBN News