A text circulating on Facebook (FB) claims that GCash will be withdrawn from all mobile application stores by Feb. 10. This is not true.
On Jan. 31, FB users urged netizens to cash out their money from the mobile payments service as a GCash executive supposedly announced its removal from all app stores. The text read:
“GCash Announcement. Gcash is now officially removed on Playstore. From Co Ceo of GCash. Attention to all GCash app users the GCash app is down please cash out now your all balance in GCash app because in February 10 the GCash app is automatically removed in all app stores thank you.”
The message spread amid users’ reports that GCash was unavailable on Google Play Store.
This is false. GCash debunked the circulating posts as “fake news” and clarified that their services will remain accessible.
“Be warned of these posts circulating on social media. GCash services continue to be accessible. Rest assured that your funds are safe and secure,” a GCash’ Jan. 31 advisory read.
GCash also clarified that they updated application features for Android users which made it temporarily unavailable. The e-wallet app is now back on Google Play Store.
They reminded users to only download the application from official sources – Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery.
GCash has previously warned netizens about other fake advisories and emails that circulated online.
VERA Files Fact Check also debunked a scam post about a government official’s cash assistance supposedly done through GCash. (Read ‘New P10k ayuda on GCash’ from Cayetano FAKE)
Last month, GCash signed an agreement with the National Bureau of Investigation to collaborate in investigating online frauds.
Aside from FB users’ posts, there are at least 221 public posts by FB pages and groups bearing the same claim garnering 3,890 interactions, according to the social media monitoring tool CrowdTangle.
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(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)