TikTok has partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Philippines to ramp up public awareness on financial scams and expand digital literacy nationwide through the platform’s flagship safety campaign, #ThinkTwice.
The collaboration comes amid a persistent surge in online fraud, especially during the holiday season when digital transactions spike.
According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, more than 75% of Filipino adults encountered at least one scam over the past year, while nearly one in five report receiving scam attempts daily. With scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics — from fabricated investment pitches to AI-manipulated videos of government officials — TikTok and the SEC are doubling down on efforts to safeguard Filipinos online.
The partnership was formalized through a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing in Taguig, attended by SEC Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo and TikTok Head of Public Policy for the Philippines Yves Gonzalez.
Driving digital literacy at scale
In his opening remarks, Gonzalez underscored the urgency of combating fraud as more Filipinos rely on online platforms for information.
“Scams have become more prevalent during the holidays and represent not only financial loss but also emotional distress for everyday Filipinos,” he said. “Our partnership with the SEC is an important step in empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely.”
Under the initiative, TikTok will roll out a series of short, educational #ThinkTwice videos that decode common investment schemes, the language scammers use, and how users can verify financial claims. The first set of videos focuses on Ponzi schemes, breaking down how fraudsters bait victims by promising “guaranteed returns.”
The materials will be distributed across TikTok’s channels, the #ThinkTwice Resource Hub, and SEC’s official platforms to widen reach and impact.
A shared push for investor protection
Commissioner Quevedo emphasized TikTok’s influence as a tool for public education, especially among younger Filipinos.
“The SEC is continuously finding ways to reach more people and spread our message of financial literacy,” he said. “Through this partnership, we can provide clear and practical guidance on how Filipinos can protect their hard-earned money, especially during this holiday season.”
Quevedo also reiterated key red flags:
- “If it’s too good to be true, it cannot be true.”
- “If you did not join anything, do not expect that out of the blue you will win something.”
He warned that many victims fall for repeated attempts, highlighting the need for stronger public awareness and early detection.
Enhanced reporting and faster scam detection
Under the MOU, TikTok and the SEC will streamline scam reporting workflows.
The SEC will flag suspicious content to TikTok for prompt review based on its Community Guidelines, including the swift removal of AI-generated or manipulated videos that falsely show public officials endorsing investment schemes.
“Any video showing a public official promoting investment scams is explicitly prohibited,” Gonzalez emphasized.
This collaboration builds on TikTok’s broader digital safety initiatives for 2025, including partnerships with the Commission on Elections on combating misinformation and with the Department of Migrant Workers on identifying recruitment scams.
Policy dialogue and tech-driven safeguards
Both parties also committed to continued cooperation in policy development, fraud trend monitoring, and responsible digital platform usage.
Discussions explored wider government coordination, including potential engagements with the Credit Information Corporation (CIC) and ongoing initiatives with the Blockchain Council to improve financial system transparency.
As the event wrapped up, TikTok and the SEC urged Filipinos to remain vigilant, verify before they click, and always remember to #ThinkTwice.
