After removing SMS notifications and transferring them through their app, GCash further improves the data protection of its users by masking the names of its users in its send money service. Previously, GCash would reveal the full name of the user for convenience and help verify the recipient.

The latest data protection of GCash stems from rampant scam text messages that have been received by multiple users as of late. Despite the ongoing issue, GCash assures that the data of its over 66 million users remain 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.”

GCash’s parent company Globe has been ramping up its effort against scam and spam messages, spending around Php 1.1 Billion in improving its fraud detection efforts. To date, Globe has blocked 784 million scam and spam messages from January to July this year, on top of deactivating 14,058 scam-linked SIMs and 8,973 blacklisted SIMs. In addition to that, Globe also blocked 610 URLs that are linked to scams.

For GCash, it has taken down 900 phishing sites and 400,000 social media accounts that are linked in impersonating the eWallet app. On top of this, GCash has been working with authorities, being able to block 1.37 Million fraudulent accounts from January 2021 to July 2022.

“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 may encounter fraudulent and scam activities within GCash can visit here.