As the holiday season approaches, Filipinos are urged to be extra vigilant against the rising number of cyber scams. BPI has issued a warning to the public about the increased risk of online fraud during this time.
Cybercriminals often ramp up their activities during the holiday season, targeting unsuspecting individuals with various scams, such as fraudulent emails, fake websites, and other online threats. These scams can lead to financial losses and identity theft.
To help protect yourselves from these threats, BPI offers several tips for online shoppers:
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure and can be exploited by cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information.
- Be cautious at ATMs: Do not accept help from strangers at ATMs, as they may be attempting to steal your card or PIN.
- Never share OTPs: One-Time Pins (OTPs) are unique codes sent to your phone or email for verification purposes. Never share them with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.
- Be wary of suspicious links: Do not click on random links in emails or text messages, especially if they are from unknown senders.
- Verify websites: Before making online purchases, ensure that you are on a legitimate website by checking the URL and looking for signs of authenticity.
- Use secure digital wallets: Digital wallets can provide an extra layer of security for your online transactions.
- Protect your physical wallet: Avoid carrying all of your cards and IDs in one wallet to minimize the risk of loss or theft.
BPI has invested significantly in IT and cybersecurity systems to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity efforts and protect its customers from cyber threats.
By following these tips and remaining vigilant, Filipinos can help safeguard their personal and financial information during the holiday season.
