As online scams become an increasingly pressing concern, Maya is calling for closer cooperation among government agencies, banks, telecommunications companies, and law enforcement to strengthen consumer protection and make digital transactions safer.
The digital financial services platform made the call during the Department of Justice–Office of Cybercrime’s (DOJ–OOC) CyberReady Campus Tour at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. Speaking at the event, Kristoffer Rada, Maya’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said protecting consumers requires coordinated action from both the public and private sectors, as well as greater awareness among users.
“A safer digital space needs everyone around the table,” Rada said, pointing to the shared responsibility of government, businesses, and consumers in preventing and addressing financial cybercrime.
He also cited the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and its implementing regulations from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as important measures for addressing suspicious transactions, coordinating verification among financial institutions, and supporting fraud investigations.
“Laws and plans work when we can put them into practice,” Rada said, stressing the need for timely responses and effective coordination, particularly when consumers fall victim to scams.
The CyberReady Campus Tour seminar at UP Diliman, organized by the DOJ–OOC with the university’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Data Protection Office, aimed to help students and faculty identify online scams, protect personal information, and respond to cyber threats.
Maya also highlighted the importance of consumer education through its Scam Patrol awareness campaign and Financial Fitness Program. With the holiday shopping season approaching, it reminded consumers to be wary of fake online promotions, suspicious links, and fraudulent payment requests. Shoppers should verify sellers and payment instructions before sending money and never share passwords or one-time PINs (OTPs).
Customers can also use the Maya Security Center to review login history, set transfer limits, and freeze eligible credit cards when suspicious activity is detected.
Maya is also working with government agencies and industry partners to address financial cybercrime. It is part of the DOJ–OOC’s Technical Working Group on Financial Cybercrime Concerns and supports the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center’s Scam Safe initiative.
“We should not have to choose between greater financial access and stronger protection. The Philippines needs both,” Rada said.
