The SEC Is Using TikTok to Help Filipinos Avoid Investment Traps

The Securities and Exchange Commission is turning to social media to step up its fight against investment scams, starting with a new partnership with TikTok. The move aims to reach more Filipinos online as scam cases continue to rise.

The SEC recently signed an agreement with TikTok to help educate users about illegal investment schemes. With the platform being one of the most popular apps in the country, the commission sees it as a powerful tool for spreading awareness, especially to younger audiences.

Recent data shows just how serious the problem has become. A report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance revealed that more than three out of four Filipino adults encountered at least one scam attempt in the past year. According to SEC Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo, the issue goes beyond fake investments, with some operations now linked to human trafficking and forced labor.

Quevedo warned that scammers often rely on promises that sound too good to be true. He stressed that people should stay alert and avoid assuming that these problems will simply disappear on their own, since complacency only gives scammers more room to operate.

As part of the partnership, TikTok will roll out a series of short videos explaining common scam tactics and how users can avoid falling victim. These videos are meant to be easy to understand and practical, helping viewers spot warning signs before it is too late.

The SEC, meanwhile, will monitor online content and report suspicious posts to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The goal is to remove misleading material quickly and limit its spread.

According to the commission, this collaboration is only the beginning. Similar efforts with other major platforms like Facebook and Google are already being planned, as the SEC continues to look for better ways to promote financial literacy and protect the public, especially during peak seasons when scam activity tends to increase.