The Philippine National Police warned that there is an increasing trend of online scams during the holiday season.

The PNP said that they have been receiving more complaints about online scams this year compared to 2019. This is due to more online transactions during the quarantine.

PNP Cybercrime Group spokesman Police Maj. Joseph Villaran told ABS-CBN News that more victims online are getting their help as Christmas approaches.

“Ang mangyayari makikipag-transact sa legit na online platform then makikipag-usap outside. Doon sila magkakaroon ng transaction then hindi naman darating ‘yung item o appliances na inorder nila,” Villarin said.

The National Bureau of Investigation cautioned the public to only transact and buy products to authorized sellers.

“Ang tell-tale sign niya is pagka masyadong mataas ang discount i-check mo. Kapag masyadong nagmamadali, may urgency, i-check mo ulit and then leverage on the power of the internet kung mayroong activities na against dito sa marketplace na ito,” NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Victor Lorenzo said. (TDT)