Several netizens have come forward to share their harrowing experiences falling victim to the latest scam to hit the popular mobile wallet platform, a distressing situation that has left GCash users shaken and bewildered.

As of this report, a disturbing number of users have claimed that their hard-earned money vanished from their GCash accounts, transferred to a totally unknown entity known only as “Kiko Kola,” all without their knowledge or consent.

One victim took to Facebook in early August to recount their ordeal, stating that a scammer had contacted them via cellphone, resulting in the mysterious disappearance of ₱5,000 from her GCash account, transferred to the cryptic “Kiko Kola” account.

Days later, another distressed user lamented the loss of their funds, which were earmarked for their sick cousin’s medical expenses.

In an emotional Facebook post, the victim expressed their frustration, “Siya ung nang scam sa akin at marami na mga nabiktima nya! Sobrang dami na pla niya nabiktima! Bakit hindi pa ito nahuli!! Imposibleng walang nag report sa kanya sa dami ng kanyang nabiktima,” referring to the elusive “Kiko Kola.”

Adding to the growing chorus of victims’ voices, one user provided a detailed account of how they fell prey to the Kiko Kola scam, as well as their disappointing experience with GCash customer support.

They revealed, “Last August 25, we found unauthorized transactions charged from the GCash account we use for our business. There have been several transactions filed as online payments that emptied our GCash balance. We checked where these were sent to and it was sent to an account called Kiko Kola. These transactions came up on our account without any warning or notice from GCash.”

The victim also claimed they had not received any one-time passwords (OTPs) or transaction notifications. They further shared their investigation into the mysterious “Kiko Kola” account, discovering numerous posts from individuals across the Philippines who had fallen victim to the same entity.

In response to their distress, GCash reportedly offered explanations for the unauthorized access, which the victim vehemently denied ever encountering. The victim stated, “No clicking on suspicious links nor answering any calls from unknown numbers and providing OTPs. We also always made sure that our account is secure through facial recognition every time we log on to other devices so it would be impossible to access the account by anyone else.”

Screenshots accompanying the victim’s story revealed multiple substantial transactions, some totaling ₱30,000, along with several others at ₱5,000 each.

As the Kiko Kola saga unfolds, concerned netizens have rallied to warn others about the scam, posting cellphone numbers used by the scammers. One such number, 09854598029, raised suspicions and prompted a warning from a vigilant netizen: “Scammer Alert! Wag na wag po kayong tumanggap ng call or makipag-negotiate sa number na to. Scammer po yan! Be aware po tayo lagi.”

Just days before this report was filed, another victim shared their own GCash funds vanishing into the Kiko Kola abyss, with a plea for assistance: “Baka may nakakilala po sa knya patulong po ninakaw nya ung laman ng GCash k na dapat ipang itutulong q ng school supplies… Kiko Kola po name ng hacked s GCash k #0905138942 yan cp number nya.”

Many netizens have also turned to Raffy Tulfo in Action, seeking help in apprehending the elusive scammers. Jemboy Tejano implored, “Sana po matulungan nyo kami na mahuli tong scammer nato….sa KIKO KOLA PO SINEND YUNG PERA….Nakuha po laman ng GCash ko! eto po # ng tumawag sakin 09309636797.”

Cel Manalo, Elmer Cal, and others have echoed similar stories and pleas, underscoring the urgency of this emerging crisis.

Despite the escalating number of victims and the mounting evidence, GCash has yet to address this alarming issue, leaving users anxiously awaiting resolution and justice.

The shadow of “Kiko Kola” continues to loom large over the digital landscape, serving as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in the world of online transactions.