PEP
Scam texts, calls target bank customers as ‘BER’ months begin
BDO’s anti-scam guidance specifically warns that fake texts may offer credit card rewards or claim that transactions require verification through a link.
The arrival of the “BER” months is also prompting renewed warnings over scam calls and fraudulent text messages that attempt to trick bank customers into giving up sensitive financial information.
A recent anti-scam advisory warned consumers to be wary of messages claiming they have won rewards, received unclaimed benefits or been given a higher credit limit. Such messages may be designed to lure recipients into clicking fraudulent links or surrendering account credentials.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas identifies text scams or “smishing” and voice phishing or “vishing” among common forms of financial fraud. It advises consumers to verify suspicious messages and never share personal or financial information, passwords or one-time PINs with unknown parties.
Banking customers are likewise urged to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to contact their financial institution directly through official channels when in doubt. BDO’s anti-scam guidance specifically warns that fake texts may offer credit card rewards or claim that transactions require verification through a link.