Outsmarting the modern scammer

A message arrives on your phone: Your account has been compromised. A caller claims to be from your bank and warns you to act immediately. An email tells you that your rewards are about to expire unless you click a link.

Before reacting, take a moment. That feeling of panic is exactly what scammers are trying to create.

According to BDO, one of the most common tactics used by fraudsters today is creating a false sense of urgency. By making people feel pressured to respond quickly, scammers hope their targets will skip verification and unknowingly share personal or financial information.

For senior citizens navigating an increasingly digital world, staying cautious and informed can make a big difference. BDO encourages older adults to be W.A.I.S. — Wise, Alert, Informed and Secure — by thinking carefully before taking action, questioning unexpected requests and protecting their personal information.

The bank also reminds everyone, regardless of age, that slowing down is one of the simplest ways to avoid falling victim to scams.

Why scammers target seniors

As more services move online, fraudsters continue to find new ways to trick people through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media.

Older adults may be more vulnerable to these schemes because some may have limited experience identifying digital threats. A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies found that only 18 percent of Filipinos aged 65 and above have at least one basic digital skill, which can affect their ability to recognize suspicious online activity.

BDO noted that among the most commonly reported fraud attempts involving its clients are voice phishing or “vishing” scams, where criminals call and pretend to be bank representatives. Other frequent schemes include phishing through fake links and websites, as well as impersonation scams.

In many cases, fraudsters attempt to gain trust by posing as legitimate organizations and convincing victims to provide confidential details such as account information, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).

A simple way to spot a scam

While scammers constantly change their approach, their goal often remains the same: create fear, urgency and confusion.

To help customers respond safely, BDO advises following its S.C.A.M. approach:

Stop. Do not immediately click links, open attachments or provide personal details. Take time to assess the situation.

Check. Verify if the message, email or caller is legitimate by using official bank channels, including the bank’s website, hotline or mobile application.

Ask. When unsure, consult someone you trust or contact the bank directly before making any decision.

Make sure. Protect sensitive information and never share account details, card verification values (CVVs), usernames, passwords or OTPs with anyone.

Staying safe starts with staying calm

Scams may become more sophisticated, but many still depend on one thing: getting people to act without thinking.

By staying alert, asking questions and practicing safe digital habits, seniors and other consumers can continue enjoying the convenience of online banking while keeping their personal information protected.

Sometimes, the best way to outsmart a scammer is simply to take a moment before taking action.