The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country, remind the public to be careful against so-called lottery scams.
“The modus operandi of these scams begins with victims receiving notices of winning a grand prize for a competition, lottery, or sweepstakes. Scammers will send these announcements through email, phone calls, text messages, or social media. To claim the prize, victims are asked to pay for insurance, taxes, bank fees, and courier charges. As if that wasn’t enough, the scammers also request personal financial information to verify the victim’s identity, which they exploit to initiate an account takeover,” said PNP-ACG Spokesperson, PCapt Michelle Sabino.
To avoid these scams, the PNP-ACG and GCash are providing valuable tips to the public.
It is important to carefully inspect any envelopes received from sweepstakes mailers, paying close attention to the details.
Never divulge personal information to individuals who solicit it through email, SMS, or phone calls claiming that you have won a prize.
Always take the time to read and understand the fine print in lottery or sweepstakes forms, ensuring you are aware of important information such as the start and end dates, methods of participation, and any legal disclaimers.
“By following these precautions, you can safeguard yourself against potential scammers and cybercriminals,” Sabino explained.
GCash reiterates its warning to users to never share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.
For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at ac*@pn*.ph.
To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
A recent investigation by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the leading mobile wallet GCash, has led to the discovery of certain gambling sites and apps which were used for account takeovers in the recent surge of phishing scams.
Additionally, some influencers may have unknowingly promoted these gaming apps without being aware of their fraudulent nature. GCash is now cautioning its users to be extremely careful when accessing online gambling sites and apps and to avoid them altogether if possible.
In this latest scheme, perpetrators created gambling apps while falsely claiming to be accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These apps deceive users with a verification process, redirecting them to a fake GCash website or payment page to top up betting credits. From there, fraudsters were able to access sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, GCash numbers, MPINs, OTPs, and other personal data that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Pebbles Sy, GCash CTO
“The trust and safety of our customers remain our top priority which is why we are relentless in ensuring the public is made aware of phishing scams related to online gambling. This goes hand-in-hand with our world-class security features and innovations that give our users additional layers of protection against evolving threats,” emphasizes GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Pebbles Sy.
Last month, the leading mobile wallet announced its collaboration with various law enforcement agencies to further investigate a thwarted phishing attempt which was rectified by the GCash cybersecurity team on the same day they monitored the incident. GCash’s internal investigation traced the phishing link to fraudulent messages masquerading as SIM card registration.
“Our intensified collaboration with law enforcement authorities will continue to expose these scams, but we encourage everyone to join this crusade by staying informed about phishing,” adds Sy.
GCash continues to be in close cooperation with law enforcement authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
GCash reiterates its warning to users never to share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking on unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.
For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at ac*@pn*.ph. To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
If you are interested in packaging for your product that is recyclable and resealable, you probably have many questions. Are plastic pouches recyclable? Some are and some aren’t, so you should do some research on the manufacturer before making a purchasing decision. Once you find a packaging company that offers recyclable pouches, you can take advantage of many benefits. Here are the top five.
1. Providing Added Convenience
Custom stand-up pouches are convenient for you. They’re versatile enough to be used in almost any industry, and they don’t take up much space, so you can store your inventory more efficiently and save on storage costs.
Resealable pouches are also convenient for your customers, who can seal up your product and carry it around in a pocket, handbag, or briefcase without having to worry about it spilling or leaking. Recycling the pouches is fairly easy as well, and becoming easier all the time.
2. Preventing Waste
Obviously, using recyclable packaging is going to cut down on the waste that ends up in landfills if consumers do their part and dispose of the packaging properly. However, resealable packaging also prevents perishable products from going bad by sealing out oxygen and moisture, keeping the contents fresh longer. As a result, consumers don’t have to dispose of unused portions that went bad before they had a chance to use them. This saves consumers money and gives them good value for their money.
3. Reducing Packaging Cost
Custom sachet packaging made from recycled materials doesn’t require as much processing as those made from virgin materials. Therefore, they do not cost as much to produce. This translates to savings on your part because you can package your materials for less. You can also pass the savings along to your customers, who are likely to appreciate it.
Using flexible, eco-friendly packaging can also reduce your transportation costs because the packaging is more lightweight and you don’t have to use as much of it. This can mean additional savings for your company.
4. Conserving Resources
Flexible packaging and packaging made of recycled materials use less water and fossil fuels to manufacture because they require less processing and they don’t use virgin materials that have to be extracted from the ground. This helps to conserve limited resources.
Flexible packaging made of recyclable materials also emits fewer carbon compounds than rigid plastic packaging made of virgin materials. Fewer greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere help to reduce global warming and climate change.
5. Connecting With Customers
As awareness about the need for sustainability increases, more consumers are making buying decisions based on the environmental friendliness of the company. Recyclable flexible packaging communicates to potential customers that you share their values and their concerns about the environment. It demonstrates that your company is deserving of their trust. Once consumers find a company that they can trust, they keep coming back to purchase from them, developing brand loyalty in the process.
While it’s not always easy going green at first, the long-term benefits to you and your customers make the extra effort worth it.
Even the simplest of household decisions impact how communities safeguard the environment. In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) encourages Filipinos to make more mindful choices on how valuable resources like water, energy, and oil are consumed and managed.
The exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, PCPPI reaffirms its sustainability commitments ahead of Earth Day, which is observed worldwide on April 22. According to Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI President & CEO, adopting sustainable lifestyle habits affects people and the planet for the better. “The daily decisions we make can help reduce household waste, save expenses, and improve our well-being. Living ‘sustainably’ does not have to be complex, as we can all start with the choices we make at home,” he said.
Re-use and repurpose
plastic bottle planters photo credit to supersimple.com
It often takes a fresh perspective to see our everyday tasks differently. One of the ways to reduce household waste is through repurposing old items, like plastic water bottles which may be transformed into plant holders or vases. Used boxes can also be turned into organizers, while brown paper bags can be used as craft paper for school projects.
Meal planning
Apart from selecting healthier food options from the market or grocery, meal planning has the added benefit of consuming just the right amount of food—thereby cutting down on excess and food waste. Planning meals ahead of time also helps manage one’s budget, as well as electricity costs.
Unplug when not in use
Turning off that are not in use, using enough water to wash hands, or unplugging fully charged devices are some good practices to manage resource consumption at home. These also help maintain the health of electrical appliances, helping them run properly for longer.
Go digital, go paperless
One of the shifts accelerated during the community lockdowns was the move towards paperless transactions. Mail and bills are now accessed electronically, minimizing the need to consume paper. With further advances in technology, the possibilities are endless for how the world can help preserve and protect trees.
As PCPPI supports the practice of these sustainable practices, the organization continues to work on its own sustainability initiatives that demonstrate its long-term commitment to care and respect for the environment.
PCPPI aims to reduce the use of virgin plastic and reach 100% recyclable packaging. The company continues to expand its efforts in lightweighting and exploring alternative packaging sources. Since early 2021, PCPPI has also transitioned to renewable energy use to supply the energy requirements of its plants. Solar panels are installed in its Batangas, Cebu, and Davao manufacturing facilities.
In line with the Adopt-an-Estero Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PCPPI has organized clean-up drives near bodies of water in the communities where it operates. PCPPI has adopted key waterways across the country, including those in San Fernando, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Cebu, and Zamboanga. Partnerships with agencies like the Laguna Lake Development Authority allow PCPPI to regularly meet with other community stakeholders on how to best address environmental concerns and develop innovative ways to protect local ecosystems.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.
During the rainy season, almost everyone has experienced having at least one batch of laundry that takes ages to dry. With the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable these days, how do you keep your clothes and fabric fresh, clean, and kulob-free?
Midea (pronounced mai-dee-yah), the leader in intelligent, and surprisingly friendly home solutions, shares this simple guide to help you keep your newly washed clothes and fabrics clean, fresh, and vibrant even when the monsoon hits.
Choose the right washing cycle and mode.
With so many different options available to us, it’s important to choose the correct spin cycle for the clothes we’re washing. For a more hassle-free washing experience, there’s the Midea 8.5Kg Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine that automatically calculates and determines the spin duration, water program, water level, and the number of rinses that your clothes need.
This washer also has 8 different wash programs to assist you in washing your clothes properly and easily such as Standard, Quick, Bulky, Delicates, Intensive, Mini Wash, Jeans, and Dump Dry options. All these come with an energy-efficient washing experience, thanks to the inverter function, making your washing experience more efficient and less time-consuming.
Hot water gets the job done.
When it comes to washing your workout pants, socks, and undergarments hot water can be the best option for thoroughly cleaning dirt and odors. To help you better take care of your clothes and leave them smelling clean and fresh the next day, you can start off with the Midea’s 12/8Kg Fully Automatic Front Load Combo Washing Machine which has a built-in water heater that allows you to adjust the water temperature from 30°C to 75°C to efficiently remove dirt, bacteria, and odor from fabrics, and give you clothes are free from amoy-kulob, even during the rainy season.
Say goodbye to clutter and an unorganized laundry stack as this washer also comes with 16 pre-set functions such as Cotton, Delicate, ECO Wash, Rapid, Stain Wash, Jeans, Normal, Duvet, Dry Only, Auto Clean, Shoes, Towel, Antiallergic, Silent, Spin Only, and My Cycle. This 2-in-1 washer also has a 1-hour wash-spin-dry cycle function so you can experience the best of both worlds and enjoy more cozy moments with your family!
Keep your washing machine dirt and clog-free.
A dirty washing machine is a perfect environment for mold and bacterial growth, as well as grime buildup so if you continue to wash your clothes in a not-so-clean washing machine, your clothes can get stained and come out with a not-so-pleasant smell. This is where the Midea 13KG Twin Tub can help.
This twin tub has a superb built feature which means it’s made from a highly durable plastic body that cannot be easily nipped away by dirt and clog and is also rustproof. Plus, it comes with a Magic Lint Filter that helps trap loose threads, leftover trash, sequins, and buttons so it won’t interfere with the cleaning process.
Go for the efficient inverter washer.
When you have loads of dirty clothes to wash, especially in this damp weather, time and electricity consumption are important considerations. The faster you can do your laundry, the more power and time you save. This is where Midea 7.5kg Front Load Washer Inverter can become your best laundry buddy. This washer comes with an inverter function that gives an energy-efficient washing experience – that means it uses the least amount of power without sacrificing its cleaning performance.
The Auto-Clean function of this front load also has a high-speed water flow that clears dirt residues off the inner and outer drum to prevent secondary pollution of the clothes. Plus, with its 15-quick wash feature, you can wrap up your laundry time in just 15 minutes – more time to spend relaxing or bonding with your family! Not only that, but Midea washers are also strategically installed with Piso-Wash features. This means that when you use Midea’s home-friendly solutions, the electricity cost per wash load is equivalent to only PHP1.00!
By making just a few tweaks to your routine and choosing the right washing appliance, you will know how to keep your laundry fresh during the rainy season and not let the rain dampen your plans. Another useful tip is to use a dehumidifier like the Midea Cube Dehumidifier to keep away the dampness and kulob-smell on your clothes while making sure you’re home environment is safe from moisture. You can conveniently keep dampness away wherever you are in your home by controlling this humidifier through the Midea Air app.
Get rid of those kulob-smelling clothes effortlessly during the rainy season with Midea. Midea’s products are available at the following Midea Philippines online flagship stores:
You can also check out more Midea intelligent home solutions at leading appliance stores nationwide or visit any of these sites – Facebook: MideaPhilippines; Instagram: mideaph; Youtube: Midea Philippines Official and on TikTok: mideaphilippines
There are many translations for the word “kulob” in this context it refers to that muggy smell between washed and unwashed.
Starting one’s first job is one of the most challenging periods for young professionals. There’s constant stress over their fear of rejection, too much pressure, and high expectations towards their tasks. Joining the workforce may be intimidating but with a few tips, they can face those fears and be awesome at work.
There are always a lot of things to be juggled at work but they can be handled easily with some preparation. Lists are easy to make and follow, and they come in different formats. Some have straightforward lists that outline what they need to do in a day, arranged by level of importance. A common tip is to start with the hardest task first so it is out of the way. Another good tip is to outline weekly and plot deadlines and assign when they will be worked on. It is also advisable to finish tasks little by little to make progress.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done. There are workshops and seminars that teach fresh graduates the skills they need to succeed. Many companies offer free training, while there are those that cover the cost of signing up. It will also be helpful to watch videos on YouTube or read articles to up-skill and impress colleagues and bosses.
Have a reliable smartphone
Smartphones have now become extensions of work since they have a lot of productivity apps such as Notes and Google Workspace. It can serve as a second screen or a work device when on the go. Some considerations for a smartphone are a large screen that can display important files, a long battery life, and large storage.
Samsung’s Galaxy A23 and A13 are the ideal smartphones to help young professionals become more prepared and efficient at work.
Both the Galaxy A23 and A13 have a 6.6” TFT V-Cut Display, large enough to display reports or spreadsheets, and even online meetings.
The devices are also useful outside of the workplace. They sport a Quad Camera that captures various types of content with its 50MP main camera, which captures photos and videos in clear and vibrant detail. Both the devices can store all the important photo and video memories and even important files with 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB. Lastly, a 5,000mAh of battery so there’s enough power to last the whole day.
Both smartphones are available in Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach, while the Galaxy A23 has an additional Awesome White variant. The smartphones are available in all authorized Samsung Stores and online for:
Galaxy A23 (6+128GB) – PHP 13,990 SRP
Galaxy A13 (4+128GB) – PHP 10,490 SRP
Galaxy A13 (6+128GB) – PHP 11,490 SRP
Awesome deals for everyone
Purchase the new Galaxy A13 with flexible payment terms through participating credit cards for as low as PHP 1,784.33/mo at 0% interest for 6 months. Home Credit payment is also available and pays for as low as PHP 841/mo at 0% interest for 9 months. Both of these offers are available until June 30.
For more information about the Samsung Galaxy A23 and A13, visit samsung.com/ph.
Safe Samsung Shopping
Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.
Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.
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