After removing SMS notifications and transferring them through their app, GCash improves user data protection by masking users’ names in its send money service. Previously, GCash would reveal the user’s full name for convenience and to assist in verifying the recipient.
The most recent GCash data protection stems from increased scam text messages received by multiple users recently. Despite the ongoing issue, GCash assures its over 66 million users that their data is secure.
“We have been working closely with the NPC on the issue of text scams with names, We wish to assure our customers that our systems and infrastructure remain secure and there is no incidence of any data breach or leak,” GCash Chief Information Security Officer Mark Frogoso said. “Protecting the personal information of our customers remains a top priority which we believe is integral to our vision of achieving Finance for All.”
Globe, GCash’s parent company, has increased its efforts to combat scam and spam messages, spending approximately Php 1.1 billion to improve its fraud detection efforts. From January to July of this year, Globe blocked 784 million scam and spam messages, in addition to deactivating 14,058 scam-linked SIMs and 8,973 blacklisted SIMs. In addition, Globe has blocked 610 URLs associated with scams.
For GCash, it has removed 900 phishing sites and 400,000 social media accounts impersonating the eWallet app. Furthermore, from January 2021 to July 2022, GCash collaborated with authorities and was able to block 1.37 million fraudulent accounts.
“As a result of being the most used eWallet with the largest user base in the Philippines, it is imperative for us to be ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting the personal information and funds that our customers have entrusted to us,” Frogoso adds.
Those who suspect fraudulent or scam activities within GCash can go here.