GCash, the Philippines’ number one financial app, rolls out ‘DoubleSafe’, a game-changing security feature to safeguard its users from account takeovers.
DoubleSafe strengthens the security of GCash’s 76 million users as it prevents unauthorized account access. Prior to the new system, GCash already required two levels of authentication or 2-Factor Authentication. The first level of security is the OTP (One-time PIN), a unique number combination sent only to the user’s mobile number. The second level of authentication is the MPIN (Mobile PIN) which is a 4-digit passcode that only the customer or GCash owner should know.
To reinforce the security of customers’ accounts, GCash will now require all users to activate DoubleSafe in order to add an additional layer of security to their account. This feature will be activated for every first login to a new mobile phone to ensure the continued protection of its users. The feature uses facial recognition, which means that even if a user inadvertently shares their MPIN and OTP to fraudsters, their account cannot be accessed from another device without scanning the owner’s face — ultimately preventing account takeovers.
Beyond this security feature, GCash is also closely working with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in going after fraudsters and scammers. This was formalized by the signing of a memorandum of agreement with PNP-ACG in 2022.
“GCash is one with the PNP-ACG in making sure that these cybercriminals are put behind bars while reminding the public on how to safeguard their accounts,” GCash Head of Fraud Management Miguel Geronilla said. “Together with the authorities, other relevant government agencies and our users, we can ensure that GSafeTayo.”
Along with the launch of Doublesafe, GCash is intensifying its GSafeTayo campaign through a series of awareness and education materials that will help customers identify and avoid fake sellers, suspicious links, as well as other common forms of scams.
The campaign focuses on providing prevention tips to help the public avoid being scammed. These include avoiding unfamiliar links, never sharing personal information, and double checking before buying items on the internet
“At GCash, the safety and peace of mind of our customers are very important to us. With DoubleSafe and our intensified GSafeTayo campaign, our users will be protected from scammers and account takeovers,” said Geronilla. “But aside from security measures, we are also ramping up reminders to our 76 million users on how they can safeguard their accounts.”
To report scams and other suspicious activities, users can go to the GCash Help Center via the GCash app or at https://help.gcash.com/, Chat with Gigi, and choose “I want to report a scam.”
