PNP, GCash: Lending apps unsafe unless listed with SEC

Financial loans from lending apps have now become a vital source of funds for consumers during emergencies. However, it is important to make sure that the loaner or lending institution is a legitimate company that abides by the standards of the government. This is the warning that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group and GCash, the country's leading mobile wallet app, is giving to consumers who are thinking of applying for a loan, to make sure they will not fall victim to scams and that the lending company is a legitimate entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Leading mobile wallet advises its users to check the list of accredited lending apps by SEC

“A lot of people are falling victim into lending schemes, we are reminding the public to be vigilant and beware of these through the tips we constantly send the public via our social media channels and we are happy with the strengthened partnership with GCash for this cybersecurity public service campaign,” says PNP ACG Spokesperson, PCapt Michelle Sabino.

GCash is also a player in the lending space with products such as GCredit, GGives, and GLoan available on its platform which is safe and protected by advanced cybersecurity technology. As of the 1st quarter of 2023, GCash has disbursed more than P70B loan transactions making it one of the most trusted loaners.

"More than just offering secure, convenient and accessible loan products, we at GCash aim to empower our customers with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves against online lending scams. By educating them about the importance of SEC-listed lending apps, we are helping ensure their financial safety," says Fuse Lending CEO , Tony Isidro.

But for those who opt to loan from different lending company, GCash gives a few tips for a safe and secure loan.

The lack of knowledge when it comes to loan applications can lead to scams or falling into the hands of abusive lending companies with dubious interests and can even lead to harassment. To avoid such situations, it’s important to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the app before proceeding. Additionally, it is recommended to exercise due diligence to ensure submitted IDs are sent to legitimate recipients to prevent unauthorized use. It is also wise to refrain from transacting with individuals that they have met only online and to beware of any processing fees, as they often indicate a scam.

By verifying a lending app’s registration with the SEC, users can avoid falling victim to scammers, fraudsters, and cyber-criminals. The list can be viewed on SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.ph. If an online lending app is not on the SEC's registered list, it is critical to block and report it immediately.

For lending apps that offers disbursement via e-wallets, GCash reiterates its warning to users never to disclose their MPIN or OTP and to avoid clicking on unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps. For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph. To report scams and fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type "I want to report a scam." Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph.