Scam Watch Pilipinas empowers MSMEs to fight 7 common scams at Go Negosyo Summit 2025

• IN PHOTO: Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-founder Jocel de Guzman during the Go Negosyo Summit 2025

By TechWatch PH Staff

Scam Watch Pilipinas recently empowered Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with practical tips and behavioral changes to combat seven common scams, helping them protect their businesses from scammers during the Go Negosyo Online Selling Summit 2025.

It reminded entrepreneurs to stay vigilant as online scams continue to rise alongside the rapid growth of e-commerce.

“Every fake buyer, spoofed courier, or phishing attempt you avoid is one less threat to your livelihood,” said Jocel de Guzman, Co-founder of Scam Watch Pilipinas “Always double-check transactions, secure your accounts with strong passwords, and never click on suspicious links, and practice behavioral change in navigating the online world’.

De Guzman emphasized the four “Kontra Scam Attitudes” (Anti-Scam Attitudes): “Magdamot”(Be stingy), “Magduda” (Be skeptical), “Mangisnob” (Ignore), and “Mag Sumbong” (Report).

“Report scam attempt immediately to the national hotline 1326, the Whoscall App (a global anti-scam application), or the eGov Super App,” he stressed.

7 Online scams every seller should watch out for

Online sellers continue to face seven threats: fake buyers and overpayment schemes, payment and e-wallet fraud, delivery and courier spoofing, account takeovers, social media and marketplace fraud, phishing and business email compromise, and fake verification scams.

1. Fake Buyers and Overpayment Schemes

Scammers pose as customers, sometimes even placing large orders, then send fake receipts or deliberately “overpay” and request refunds before the bogus transfer bounces. To avoid this, sellers should confirm payments directly through banking apps or e-wallets, release refunds only after money clears, and use escrow or cash-on-delivery for suspicious buyers.

2. Payment and E-Wallet Fraud

Criminals create phishing sites that mimic GCash, Maya, PayPal, or banks to steal login details, or use stolen cards that lead to chargebacks. The safest approach is to use trusted platforms, enable transaction alerts, and keep proof of deliveries.

3. Delivery and Courier Spoofing

Fraudsters impersonate logistics companies, send fake tracking updates, or demand bogus courier fees. Sellers should verify shipments only on official apps, reject extra charges not confirmed by partners, and use insured, trackable shipping.

4. Account Takeovers

Hackers are increasingly targeting platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Facebook Marketplace. They gain access through phishing or weak passwords, then reroute payments or post fake listings. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular account checks are essential defenses.

5. Social Media and Marketplace Fraud

Fake buyers may send malicious links or file false reports to suspend accounts—sometimes even offering “help” for a fee. Sellers should avoid clicking unknown links, check buyer credibility, and report impostors directly to the platform.

6. Phishing and Business Email Compromise

Fraudsters send emails or texts that appear to come from banks, e-wallets, or marketplaces, urging sellers to log in via fake links. To stay safe, always type the official website into your browser and double-check sender addresses.

7. Verification Scams

Scammers pretend to be support agents from platforms like Shopee or Lazada, asking sellers for one-time passwords. Sharing an OTP hands over full account control. Remember: legitimate platforms never ask for OTPs—when in doubt, contact the official hotline.

Furthermore, Scam Watch Pilipinas urged sellers to be extra cautious: double-check every transaction, strengthen account security, and stay updated on new scam tactics.

The Go Negosyo Online Selling Summit 2025, with the theme “The Future is Now: Navigating Through the E-Commerce Landscape,” featured a powerhouse lineup of successful entrepreneurs, content creators, and industry leaders.

(The Scam Watch Pilipinas and TechWatch PH are both powered by Truth360 Inc.)