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| The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) warns about fraudulent websites impersonating financial institutions to deceive individuals. Photo: BSP/Facebook |
PHILIPPINES – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is warning the public about deceptive websites used by cybercriminals to trick people into giving away personal information. These fake websites look like legitimate financial institutions, such as banks, but are designed to steal user information.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the BSP advises people to be cautious when encountering websites that claim to be affiliated with banks or other financial institutions, especially when they ask for personal information. These fake websites are very convincing, so users must stay vigilant and avoid giving away sensitive information.
The BSP also warns against clicking on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources, as these may lead to phishing sites that attempt to steal data or install malware on devices. Legitimate banks or financial institutions will never ask for personal information through unsolicited messages, so any such request should raise suspicion and be treated cautiously.
To check if a website is real, users should look for the padlock icon in the website's address bar, which indicates a secure connection. They should also check the website's spelling and grammar, as errors may indicate a fake website.
If personal information has been compromised or there is any suspicion of fraudulent activity, the BSP advises people to contact their bank or e-money provider immediately. They can also report the incident to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
To help fight online scams, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious websites or activities directly to the BSP through their official website at www.bsp.gov.ph or on the Bangko Sentral's social media platforms. —iTacloban