TECHNOLOGY
Selling your verified digital wallet? Think again
May 19, 2023 9:29 p.m.
THE recent spate of selling and even rental of verified digital wallets in the country should not be taken lightly. It is, in fact, alarming because its owners or account holders risk losing their identities with far-reaching consequences, according to cybersecurity and digital privacy company Kaspersky.
Since 2022, the local media have been reporting various apprehensions by police authorities of individuals allegedly involved in buying and selling of verified digital wallet accounts. Registered SIM accounts with verified digital wallet accounts are currently being bought for P350 each. On social media, the rates even go as low as P150 per account. These are then sold for an average of P600-P800 each.
This kind of transaction is a cybercrime offense under Philippine laws. If proven guilty, both seller and buyer are up for some jail time and penalties from P100,000 to P500,000.
But what’s stored in a digital wallet?
A digital wallet is usually loaded with personal details of its owner such as full name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Once verified by the digital wallet company as a legitimate account, all financial transactions can be performed within the digital wallet app.
The transaction limit varies but the maximum amount that can be received or sent per account is as high as P500,000, bypassing the use of credit and debit cards that are regulated and normally require security checks.
Mobile digital wallets are a popular alternative financial service among Filipinos. Unfortunately, some digital wallet users think that selling their account isn’t really a big issue. They believe their accounts are not tied to any bank accounts with a lot of funds so there is nothing to extort from them. And getting a new SIM is cheap and easy and verifying their digital wallet accounts is hassle-free.
“We’ve witnessed how the Filipinos embraced the cashless lifestyle during the pandemic, out of necessity. The ease of access and convenience of digital wallets made everyone quite comfortable, with some now selling, renting out or even loaning their verified accounts. By doing so, cybercriminals do not need to put much effort into phishing anymore as Filipinos are practically giving away their personal data for a song, which is really dangerous,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
“As sellers or lenders of their own digital wallet accounts, not only would they get into trouble with the law. Losing their identities is also very likely especially when their data gets into the hands of scammers. With enough information from you, scammers can already set up other financial accounts using your name and use your identity to benefit them. Possible scenarios would be getting harassed by a collection agent for a debt you’ve never owed. It could also mean losing out on job or education opportunities just because your name appeared with an unpleasant digital profile when searched,” adds Yeo.
What other damage can data thieves do?
By selling your verified digital wallet, you are essentially handing out your data to cybercriminals and helping them carry out their evil activities.
With your confidential information in their hands, data thieves can:
- Make purchases on your behalf
- Use your personal details in online gaming. Cybercriminals use stolen identities for doxing (publishing your home address and phone number online for profit, fun, or humiliation) and swatting (reporting a fake emergency to law enforcement agencies to come to your place to intimidate you)
- Use your personal information in online gambling. Fraudsters create networks of thousands of synthetic accounts, normally using stolen personal data and credit card information to accumulate bonus points and redeem their “winnings”. This particular type of fraud is extremely common in online poker and blackjack, where the result can be manipulated through game strategy.
- Add themselves or an alias they can control as an authorized user so it’s easier to use your credit.
- Use and abuse your Social Security number. Scammers may be able to take out loans and claim benefits under your name.
- You may be banned from using the services of your favorite digital wallet company if your name appears to have availed of its loan services and that you cannot pay.
- Sell your information to others who will use it for malicious purposes. Buying and selling of stolen personal information is big business on the dark web, the non-visible Web that can be accessed only by a specialized browser where cybercriminals provide illegal services to one another. Back in 2018, data from Kaspersky showed that criminals can sell someone’s complete digital life in the dark web for less than $50 (or P2,761, today’s forex). In 2020, the cybersecurity company shared that personal identity details such as full name, date of birth, email and mobile can fetch from $0.5 to $10 each (or P27.62 to P552.33).
Is there still a way to save your stolen identity?
Once you have handed over your SIM account with your personal data in it, it is not easy to undo it. Experts suggest replacing your email address and telephone address as well as changing all affected passwords in all of your social media and financial accounts. If you believe you have been victimized by identity fraud, you can lodge a complaint through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) here.
How else to protect yourself from identity theft?
- Keep data to a “need-to-know” basis. If someone is asking for your personal information, ask why they need it and how they will use it.
- Bank safely. Make sure that you log into financial websites using a secure connection all the time.
- Know who you’re dealing with. If you are requested for your personal or financial information, find out who they are, what company they represent, and the reason for the request. Contact the company to confirm before disclosing any of your personal data.
- Secure the data in your device. Use a security software to maximize your online safety, whether you transact using your personal details on your laptop, PC or mobile phone.
TECHNOLOGY
4 smartphone problems you won’t have to worry about with OPPO A6s 5G
3:11 p.m. June 25, 2026
A smartphone can be one of the most useful tools in your daily routine, but it can also be a source of frustration when it falls short at the wrong moment. Running low on battery before the day is over, dealing with lag during a casual gaming session, worrying about rain damaging your device, or spending extra time editing photos are challenges many users know all too well.
The OPPO A6s 5G takes aim at these everyday pain points with features designed around how people actually use their smartphones. From staying powered throughout busy days to delivering smoother performance and smarter photo enhancements, here’s how the OPPO A6s 5G handles them with ease.
- Phones That Can’t Handle Everyday Mishaps
A smartphone can face plenty of hazards throughout the day. From getting caught in an unexpected downpour during your commute, to using your device with wet hands after a workout, accidents can happen when you least expect them. For users who spend time outdoors, dust and unpredictable weather can add another layer of concern.
The OPPO A6s 5G features IP69 Water and Dust Resistance, designed to help safeguard your device against the elements. Combined with Splash Touch and Glove Touch, you can stay connected and in control even with wet hands or while wearing gloves. Wherever the day takes you, the OPPO A6s 5G delivers durability you can count on.
- Battery Life That Doesn’t Last
Running out of battery before the day ends remains one of the most common frustrations among smartphone users. A typical day filled with work, school, entertainment, and social media can put a constant strain on battery life, making frequent charging part of the routine. As devices age, that challenge often becomes even more noticeable as battery performance gradually declines.
From attending online classes and managing work tasks, to scrolling through social media and catching up with friends over mobile games, the OPPO A6s 5G is equipped with a massive 7000mAh Large Battery designed to keep pace with busy days. Beyond impressive capacity, the battery is engineered for long-term durability, offering up to 5 Years Durable Battery performance to help maintain reliable power over time. Paired with 60-Month Fluency Protection, the OPPO A6s 5G is built to deliver a smooth and consistent experience year after year, making it a dependable companion designed with longevity in mind.
- Slowdowns That Disrupt Entertainment
A great smartphone experience goes beyond performance, it should look smooth, sound immersive, and stay responsive when it matters most. The OPPO A6s 5G delivers on all fronts with a 120Hz Ultra Bright Display that provides fluid visuals and enhanced visibility even under bright outdoor conditions. Complementing the display are Dual Stereo Speakers, creating a fuller and more immersive audio experience for everyday content.
For users who demand sustained performance, the SuperCool VC System helps manage heat efficiently, while AI GameBoost 2.0 optimizes system resources to support smoother, more responsive gameplay during extended sessions. Together, these features help ensure a consistently enjoyable experience whether you’re watching, browsing, or gaming.
- Photos That Need Too Much Fixing
Advanced photo editing is no longer limited to professional software. With the OPPO A6s 5G, a range of intelligent imaging tools makes it easier to enhance photos directly on your smartphone. It includes AI Eraser 2.0 for removing unwanted elements, AI Unblur for improving image sharpness, and AI Clarity Enhancer for bringing out greater detail. Complementing these are creative tools such as AI Perfect Shot, AI Recompose, and AI Studio, which provide additional flexibility for refining and reimagining photos. Together, they help users achieve polished results quickly and intuitively.
Finding Your Everyday Companion
The OPPO A6 is ideal for users looking for dependable performance and generous storage. It comes in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, and is available in 4GB + 256GB for Php 17,999 and 8GB + 256GB for Php 20,999.
Users who want the added benefits of 5G connectivity can opt for the OPPO A6s 5G, available in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown. It comes in a 6GB + 128GB variant priced at Php 22,999 and an 8GB + 256GB variant priced at Php 25,999.
Discover more about the OPPO A6s 5G by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
TECHNOLOGY
HONOR 600 Pro sells out as HONOR 600 Series continues momentum
8:29 a.m. June 19, 2026
The excitement surrounding the newly launched HONOR 600 Series shows no signs of slowing down as the HONOR 600 Pro has officially sold out, while the HONOR 600 continues hot-selling momentum nationwide.
Following a highly successful first-day sale that drew long lines and enthusiastic crowds nationwide, HONOR Philippines has once again proven its growing dominance in the local smartphone market. The overwhelming response from Filipino consumers reflects the increasing demand for AI-powered smartphones that combine flagship-level innovation with exceptional value.
“The strong consumer response from both loyal HONOR fans and first-time buyers underscores growing confidence in the HONOR brand. We are truly grateful to every customer who entrusted and invested their loyalty to us, and we remain committed to delivering innovation that creates real value in their everyday lives,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The sold-out status of the HONOR 600 Pro and the continued strong sales of the HONOR 600 reaffirm our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology that resonates with the needs of Filipinos.”
Packed with industry-leading HONOR AI capabilities, like the AI Image-To-Video 2.0, impressive camera systems, and long-lasting battery performance, the HONOR 600 Series has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts, content creators, and everyday users seeking a smarter mobile experience.
The flagship HONOR 600 Pro, known for its premium features and powerful performance, quickly became one of the brand’s fastest-selling devices, with stocks selling out shortly after its nationwide availability. Meanwhile, the HONOR 600 continues to enjoy strong market demand, cementing its status as one of the hottest smartphone releases of the year.
Designed to suit different needs and budgets, the HONOR 600 5G is offered at P28,999 (8GB+256GB), P32,999 (12GB+256GB), and P37,999 (12GB+512GB), while the flagship HONOR 600 Pro 5G with 12GB+512GB storage retails for P49,999.
Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_H600_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_H600_PR).
For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).
TECHNOLOGY
One charge, endless power: realme teases C100 Series with up to 8000mAh Titan Battery
11:22 a.m. June 8, 2026
realme Philippines is gearing up for the launch of the realme C100 Series on June 18, and ahead of the big reveal, the brand is giving a first look at what the lineup is all about.
Anchored on the tagline “One Charge, Endless Power,” the C100 Series is built around two things Filipinos consistently look for in a smartphone: a battery that goes the distance and a build that holds up over time.
The realme C100 comes equipped with an 8000mAh Titan Battery, while the realme C100i carries a 7000mAh cell. Both are designed to deliver up to 1.5 days of use on a single charge, but what stands out is their long-term battery health – the realme C100 is rated to retain at least 80% capacity after 7 years of daily use, and the C100i after 6 years. The brand attributes this to its highly efficient energy consumption technology, which reduces battery wear over time without compromising on performance.
On the durability front, both models come with realme’s ArmorShell™ Protection and have been certified under the MIL-STD-810H military-grade shock resistance standard, with a verified drop resistance of up to 2 meters. The realme C100 takes protection further with IP69 Pro rating, making it resistant to dust, submersion, and even high-pressure water jets. The realme C100i is rated IP64, covering everyday splashes and dust exposure.
The Series also comes in a range of colorways. The realme C100 will be available in Glory White, Endurance Brown, and Victory Purple, all featuring realme’s Blooming Design, a shimmer finish crafted with micron-level sculpting that shifts with light. Meanwhile, the realme C100i comes in Dawn Purple and Dusk Gray.
The realme C100 Series will be officially unveiled on June 18 via a livestream on realme’s official Facebook page. Pricing and full details will be announced on launch day.
For more updates on the realme C100 Series, follow realme’s official Facebook page.
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