PNP, DICT, DTI Join Forces To Crush 'Quishing' Syndicates

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a joint, high-level crackdown with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The operation targets the dangerous proliferation of fake QR codes circulating on online storefronts and digital selling platforms.

The broad government offensive answers a direct order from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. It directs law enforcement to neutralize cyber-enabled crimes and sophisticated online fraud rings.

The Rise of "Quishing"

Cybercriminals are heavily exploiting Quick Response (QR) technology. They hijack transactions through a specialized phishing method legally dubbed "quishing" (QR code phishing).

According to police reports, scammers manipulate digital marketplaces by physically or digitally replacing legitimate payment codes with fraudulent ones.

When unsuspecting buyers scan these altered codes, they are seamlessly redirected to sophisticated dummy websites. Rather than completing a safe business transaction, the fraudulent platforms siphon:

• Online banking credentials
• Usernames and master passwords
• Personal identity data
• Liquid assets directly from e-wallets

“These QR codes are supposed to simplify payment transactions on online selling platforms," PNP Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated. "However, criminals are exploiting them to victimize and scam the public for their own gain. Bad elements are using technology to scam people, and we cannot allow this to happen.”

Law Enforcement Response

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) will spearhead the tactical phase of the operations. The special unit will deploy advanced digital tracing mechanisms to locate hidden local and international syndicates.

The ACG is utilizing legal cyber warrants to track down offenders. At the same time, the DTI is actively monitoring e-commerce store listings to spot anomalies early.

Despite this new technical threat, overall public cyber-awareness has improved. PNP-ACG Director PMGen. Wilson Asueta revealed that online scam cases in the Philippines dropped to 4,509 incidents during the first half of 2026. This shows a welcome decline from the 5,526 cases logged during the same period in 2025.

Official Safety Advice for Consumers

The PNP urges online shoppers and digital merchants to protect themselves from quishing by observing strict digital hygiene:

• Always Verify First: Never scan a QR code printed on unsolicited mail, random social media messages, or suspicious physical stickers.
• Preview the URL: Use a QR scanner that displays a live link preview before launching a website. Ensure the URL uses a secure domain matching the official business name.
• Confirm the Recipient: Always double-check the final merchant name appearing on payment screens before sending funds.

Authorities advise individuals who discover an altered merchant code or fall victim to quishing to preserve digital receipts and report to the Philippine National Police.