As online lending continues to gain traction among Filipinos, authorities and fintech firms are stepping up efforts to protect consumers from cyber-related threats.
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has entered into a strategic partnership with digital lending platform JuanHand, marking a coordinated push to curb scams and promote safer borrowing practices in the country’s fast-growing fintech space.
The collaboration brings together law enforcement and a leading financial technology firm to address the increasing risks tied to digital lending, including online fraud, identity theft, and the operations of predatory lenders.
Both parties aim to strengthen consumer protection through education, information sharing, and joint initiatives focused on cybersecurity awareness.
Under the partnership, PNP-ACG and JuanHand will roll out public awareness campaigns that emphasize responsible borrowing and help consumers distinguish legitimate lending platforms from fraudulent ones. The program includes training sessions, workshops, and community outreach activities designed to explain how cybercriminals operate and how borrowers can avoid common online traps.
The initiative also highlights the importance of reporting suspicious digital activities. By equipping users with practical knowledge and clear reporting channels, the partnership seeks to reduce the success rate of scams and improve law enforcement response to cybercrime incidents related to financial services.
JuanHand President and CEO Francisco Roberto D.C. Mauricio said the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to consumer protection in the digital lending ecosystem. He emphasized that education plays a crucial role in empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to scams.
“Through collaboration and education, we aim to help consumers borrow safely from legitimate platforms,” Mauricio said. He added that responsible borrowing can serve as a tool for financial empowerment when supported by strong safeguards and trusted institutions.
Public-private alliance strengthens digital lending user safeguards
The partnership comes at a time when fintech adoption in the Philippines continues to accelerate, driven by smartphone penetration and demand for quick access to credit. While digital lending has expanded financial inclusion, it has also opened the door to cybercriminals who exploit vulnerable borrowers through fake apps, phishing schemes, and abusive collection practices.
PNP-ACG, the country’s lead unit in combating cybercrime, sees the collaboration as part of its broader mandate to protect Filipinos from online financial fraud. By working closely with private-sector players, the agency aims to improve intelligence sharing and stay ahead of emerging cyber threats targeting digital finance users.
The agreement underscores the growing recognition that combating cybercrime requires coordinated action across sectors. Fintech companies possess firsthand insight into digital lending operations and user behavior, while law enforcement agencies bring investigative expertise and regulatory authority. Together, they aim to create a safer digital environment for borrowers.
Industry observers note that partnerships like this could set a benchmark for how fintech firms and regulators cooperate in addressing consumer protection issues. A secure digital lending space not only safeguards users but also strengthens trust in financial technology as a whole.
Partnership to reinforce secure digital lending
JuanHand, operated by WeFund Lending Corp., has positioned itself as one of the Philippines’ most widely used digital lending platforms.
The company reports more than ₱85 billion in loans released and over 20 million registered users, serving borrowers who often lack access to traditional banking services. Its operations rely on artificial intelligence-driven credit assessment and compliance systems designed to support fair and accessible lending.
Meanwhile, PNP-ACG continues to expand its efforts to counter cyber-enabled crimes, particularly those linked to fraudulent financial activities. The unit plays a central role in investigating online scams and enforcing laws that protect consumers in the digital economy.
As digital finance becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, both JuanHand and PNP-ACG stress that vigilance, education, and collaboration remain key to building a safer and more resilient lending ecosystem for Filipinos.
