Iwas Scam — Education

Scams Filipinos face most

Each case teaches the same five beats — Setup, Hook, Pressure, Action, Outcome — so you can spot the pattern before you act.

Case 1 of 8

CASE 01

Wrong-transfer refund

A “mistaken” deposit turns into a rush to send money back.

High risk

Setup
You get a message or call: someone “accidentally” sent money to your account or e-wallet.
Hook
They politely ask you to refund or “return” the amount so they are not short.
Pressure
They claim the bank or GCash will freeze your account if you do not send it back now.
Action
You send money to a different account they dictate — not a true reversal.
Outcome
The original credit was fake, stolen, or reversible; your transfer is gone.

Other common scams

Broader playbooks you may also see — red flags and how they usually unfold.

Phishing

Fake emails, texts, or messages that pretend to be from a bank, delivery company, or service you use. They pressure you to click a link or hand over a password.

Red flags

Urgent threats like “your account will be closed”
Links to lookalike websites
Requests for passwords or one-time codes

Impersonation

A scammer pretends to be someone you trust — a government agency, a utility, your bank, or even a family member — to demand money or information.

Red flags

Calls from “the BIR”, “the police”, or “tech support”
Demands for payment in gift cards or e-wallet
Pressure to act immediately and keep it secret

Financial & investment fraud

“Guaranteed” returns, fake investment platforms, and get-rich-quick schemes that take your money and vanish.

Red flags

Promises of high returns with no risk
Celebrity-endorsed crypto giveaways
Pressure to invest more before you can withdraw

Romance scams

A scammer builds a fake relationship online, then asks for money for an “emergency”, a plane ticket, or an investment.

Red flags

They avoid meeting in person or on video
Early professions of love
Requests for money or gift cards

Tech support scams

A pop-up or phone call claims your computer is infected, then sells you fake fixes or remote access to steal your data.

Red flags

Unsolicited calls about a “virus”
Requests for remote access to your device
Demands to pay to “remove” a non-existent problem

Lottery & prize scams

You're told you've won a prize or lottery you never entered — but first you must pay a “fee” or “tax” to claim it.

Red flags

Winning a contest you never entered
Fees required to release a prize
Requests for bank details “to deposit your winnings”

Job & employment scams

Fake job offers that collect personal information or charge upfront for “training”, “equipment”, or “background checks”.

Red flags

Offers that are too good to be true
Payment required before you start
Interviews conducted only over messaging apps

Delivery & package scams

A text about a “missed delivery” or “customs fee” links to a fake courier site that harvests your payment details.

Red flags

Tracking links you didn't request
Small “redelivery” or “customs” fees
Pressure to act before the “package” is returned

How to protect yourself

Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency. Legitimate companies give you time to verify.

Verify directly. Contact the company or person through an official number or site — never the one in the message.

Never share codes. No legitimate service will ask for a one-time password or PIN.

Think an identifier is a scam?

Check it before you engage, and report it to warn the next person.

Check an identifier Report a scam