MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP – ACG) on Monday said that it has received over 8,000 complaints of various online scams from victims who lost more than P155 million from January to August this year. Topping the list are online selling scams with about 1,615 victims who lost approximately P68,864,263, followed by investment scams with 911 victims (P5,988,404), and ATM fraud or phishing with 821 complainants (P3,193,209).
What are the Effects of E-Commerce Scams?
1. Financial Losses
- Scammers often deceive consumers into making purchases for products or services that either do not exist or are of poor quality. This results in direct financial losses for victims who may never receive the promised goods or services despite having paid for them.
2. Trust Issues
- E-commerce scams erode trust in online shopping platforms and can make consumers wary of making future purchases online. When consumers feel unsafe or uncertain about the reliability of e-commerce platforms, it can lead to decreased usage and revenue loss for legitimate businesses operating online.
3. Reputation Damage
- Legitimate businesses operating on e-commerce platforms may suffer from association with fraudulent activities. If consumers associate a platform with scams or poor security measures, it can damage the reputation of all businesses operating on that platform, even those not involved in any fraudulent activities.
4. Legal Consequences
- E-commerce scams may lead to legal consequences for scammers, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges depending on the severity of the scam and applicable laws. Additionally, e-commerce platforms may face legal action or regulatory scrutiny for failing to adequately protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
5. Emotional Impact
- Victims of e-commerce scams may experience emotional distress, frustration, and feelings of betrayal. Scams can have a significant impact on individuals' mental well-being, especially if they have lost a substantial amount of money or have been deceived multiple times.
6. Reduced Consumer Confidence
- E-commerce scams can diminish consumer confidence in online transactions, leading to decreased participation in e-commerce activities. When consumers feel insecure about the safety and reliability of online shopping, they may opt for traditional brick-and-mortar stores or refrain from making purchases altogether, resulting in reduced sales for e-commerce businesses.