Filipino shoppers growing scared of AI-driven fraud this holiday season
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and for holiday-loving Pinoys, it’s shopping season once more for the most wonderful time of the year. Now, shopping has even become more convenient as one can do it online. Thanks to online platforms which provide the hassle-free way to buy all sorts of stuff for every eager consumer.
However, nearly three in four Filipinos also said they choose to abandon online shopping as soon as they fall victim to a scam. Further, at least one in three knows of someone that has become the target of social engineering schemes.
In a survey released by cybersecurity provider Appdome, Filipinos were found holding back on their usual shopping sprees this year on caution that they might fall into a scam. At least two in five Filipinos said they fear becoming victims of identity theft when shopping on their phone, especially as they have to log sensitive data such as bank details.
Appdome CEO and co-creator Tom Tovar said AI is driving the new wave of digital fraud. As it stands, AI is used for deepfake payments, vishing attacks and bot takeovers of personal accounts. Since AI can emulate human activities almost to a tee, fraudsters are exploiting the technology to circumvent security walls put in place by companies to protect their database and customers.
An overwhelming eight in 10 Filipinos believe that apps have to be equipped with blockers that would fend off AI-powered threats like bots, deepfakes, impersonation and takeovers. They said they would rather be protected from risks than compensated when victimized.
Tovar said this is putting pressure on banking, finance, retail and delivery platforms to come up with tighter controls to prevent fraudsters from attacking consumers. “Consumers want proof that their apps can stop fraud before a holiday purchase is made, and not after the damage is done,” he added.
Currently, more than two-thirds of Filipinos see AI as an opportunity to simplify what used to be redundant tasks. Still, nearly a third of respondents said using AI without regulation poses safety threats to consumers. Tovar has advised business owners to prepare for a surge in fraud attempts until Dec. 31, as fraudsters will randomly infiltrate shopping platforms.
The Appdome co-creator reminded them it is important to protect consumers, noting that one crisis could result in a breakdown of trust and loss of clientele. After all, it isn’t good if Christmas shopping won’t be fun like it used to be because shoppers are too worried, they might get cheated online.
The new facility was initially expected to be launched in October, but the date was postponed due to PEZA’s investment mission to South Korea. The AI Tech Academy is also an initiative being undertaken with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines.
“Using the AI training framework, I think it’s a pioneering initiative by the Philippine government, by the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” Panga said. PEZA is also working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide grants to workers that will undergo the AI training.
Panga said Cebu was chosen as the location for the first AI Tech Academy given the available space there. Since AI is a new technology, he said the training must be conducted in person. Through the facility, the aim is to train IT workers, high-school and college students and job seekers on various AI tools and solutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for new technologies and advanced manufacturing.
StackTrek specializes in AI and programming, offering a unique combination of advanced technology integration and talent development for modern businesses. They provide scalable training programs to cultivate a skilled AI workforce, along with consultation and implementation services to reengineer business operations.
PEZA plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Philippines by managing and promoting ecozones, industrial estates, export processing zones, and free trade zones across the country. Established under the provisions of its enabling act, PEZA is tasked with creating an environment conducive to business by providing essential infrastructure and services, facilitating investments, and fostering sustainable growth.
Reference: PEZA to unveil AI Tech Academy
Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems.
Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.
