In a concerted effort to safeguard Filipinos from the ever-increasing threat of online scams, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is rallying the nation to be vigilant and proactive in detecting and blocking scammers. This call to action comes in the wake of a groundbreaking partnership between the CICC and Gogolook aimed at fortifying the Philippines’ defenses against fraudulent activities in the digital realm.
CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gogolook’s COO, Manwoo Joo, at the National Cybercrime Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City last 18 September 2023. The ceremony was attended by Retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr., CICC Highly Technical Consultant, and Mel Migrino, the Philippine Representative of Gogolook.
At the core of this collaboration is the Whoscall App, developed by Gogolook, which serves as a potent tool in the fight against scammers. This application boasts an integrated caller identification system, enabling users to identify incoming calls and messages, block those suspected of fraudulent intent, and report scam numbers effectively. Whoscall’s extensive database comprises a staggering 2.6 billion numbers from across the globe, ensuring comprehensive protection for its users.
“This MOU with Gogolook is a major step forward in our efforts to protect Filipinos from scam. I’m happy to welcome Gogolook and their product Whoscall to the Philippines, increasing the protection of cybersecurity for the Filipinos. This collaboration with Whoscall underlines that fighting fraud is not a singular endeavor, but a cohesive effort. We are truly glad to have Gogolook by our side in this pivotal journey,” according to Ramos, speaking on the significance of the MOU. Director Ramos underscored the CICC’s unwavering determination to combat scams and hold the individuals responsible for them accountable. This partnership reflects their commitment to safeguarding the online landscape for Filipinos.
Whoscall, which was officially launched in the Philippines last 22 August 2023, has rapidly gained popularity since its introduction, earning acclaim from users and establishing itself as a trusted scam detection application in the country. The mobile app is freely available for use, further enhancing its accessibility to Filipinos.
“This collaboration is a momentous occasion that shows a joint front against scammers to help stay ahead of the evolving methods of scammers and fraudsters worldwide. With help from CICC, we can build a stronger anti-fraud network which already includes various police and government agencies from Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea,” said Joo. The Gogolook COO expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with the CICC, emphasizing the shared goal of combating scams in the Philippines. He cited the importance of collective action in curbing the rising tide of digital fraud.
Gogolook, a Taiwan-based brand with a global reach, provides services in more than 30 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Brazil, and Malaysia. Their collaboration with the CICC marks a significant step forward in the battle against online scammers, ultimately empowering Filipinos to protect themselves and their digital assets.
As the threat of online scams continues to evolve, the CICC’s partnership with Gogolook signals a proactive stance against these malicious actors. With the Whoscall App now at their disposal, Filipinos have a powerful tool to detect, block, and report scammers, ushering in a safer digital environment for all.