MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday reminded the public to stay vigilant against the growing threat of cryptocurrency and other online investment scams, which continue to victimize many.
The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported that 311 cases of investment scam were reported from January 1 to December 31, 2025, 12 of which involved cryptocurrency schemes. It said these scams usually begin by offering “high returns” to lure victims into investing and encourage them to recruit others. At first, withdrawals may be allowed to gain trust, but eventually, access to earnings and accounts is suddenly blocked, causing invested money to be lost permanently.
“Every Filipino has the right to have his hard-earned money protected. That’s why we are encouraging everyone to be vigilant and don't easily trust online platforms that offer high returns. If there is any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the nearest police station,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.
“Remember, it’s better to ask and verify first before investing. This way, we can prevent scammers and retain our trust in online financial transactions," he said. The PNP urged the public to always verify the legitimacy of any online investment or cryptocurrency platform before committing funds. Citizens should be cautious of promises of guaranteed high returns, avoid sharing personal banking or account information online, and report any suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police station or to the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group.
