Cybercrimes up by 21% during the first quarter of 2024, says PNP

CYBERCRIME SUSPECTS Philippine National Police presents to journalists the Israelis who are allegedly behind a multimillion-dollar online investment racket. (INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Cybercrimes rose by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Citing data from the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), PNP said the most prevalent cases were online selling scams, credit card fraud and investment scams.

READ: Over 16,000 cybercrimes logged from January to August 2023 — PNP

“An ACG official claimed that increased online activity, sophisticated cybercrime tactics, and the public’s lack of awareness could be the causes of the rise in cybercrimes,” it further revealed in a statement released on Sunday.

“The PNP will increase checkpoints and patrols while “cyber cops” focus on internet crimes,” the police organization added.

INQUIRER.net has contacted the ACG for more details but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

In line with this, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil announced an intensified drive against cybercrimes.

He said the police force will allocate “more resources and enhancing capabilities to combat the growing threat of cyber-related offenses. “

Marbil likewise encouraged the public to report any police abuse and reach through these hotlines:

PNP Hotline: 117 or 911

Anti-Cybercrime Group: (02) 414-1560 

Internal Affairs Service: (02) 723-0401 to 20