Five-Year Empirical Analysis of Cybercrime Victimization Trends in Pangasinan, Philippines

Rapid integration of digital technology into daily life has created unprecedented opportunities for communication, commerce, and learning. Still, it has also exposed individuals to the growing and persistent threat of cybercrime. This study examined cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024 by analyzing victim profiles, identifying common offenses, and determining whether significant variations occurred in reported cases over the five years. Using a descriptive quantitative design, the study analyzed secondary data from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office. Descriptive statistics and a One-Way ANOVA were employed to examine case profiles, trends, and yearly variations. Results revealed that adults aged 25–59, particularly females and employed individuals, were the most common victims, reflecting how online activity and financial stability increase vulnerability to online exploitation. Cyberbullying emerged as the most reported offense, peaking in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by online extortion and threats. Dagupan City registered the highest number of cases, while several municipalities reported only isolated incidents. Although fluctuations were noted, peaking at 32 cases in 2020 and declining afterward, the ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant difference across the five years, suggesting that such variations are normal rather than indicative of long-term trends. These findings highlight that cybercrime in Pangasinan remains a persistent problem, shaped by demographic vulnerabilities, digital dependence, and external factors such as the pandemic. The study emphasizes the need for sustained law enforcement capacity, gender-sensitive interventions, and public awareness programs to reduce risks and strengthen community resilience against cybercrime.