Here are some important reminders for the next time you come across a spam text or call

Receiving texts from unknown numbers with sketchy links and calls asking for your important information has unfortunately become part of the norm.

Though there are reminders to be wary about giving out info, many people still become victims of hacking.

That said, our Kapuso sa Batas Atty. Gabby Concepcion ran down some important reminders on “Unang Hirit.”

1. Terms to remember:

Clicking links received through professional-looking messages or emails will often lead to hacking for the purpose of soliciting or stealing money.

This is called phishing, or hacking to steal information, credentials, and money info such as bank PINs and passwords when the users are led to another website.

Smishing, meanwhile, is the term used when hacking through text messages.

2. It’s against the law.

Share this info with the next person who gives you a sketchy call: there's such a thing as the R.A. 8782 or the E-Commerce Act, R.A. 11449 or the Access Devices Act of 1998, and R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Concepcion said that phishing is a form of identity theft. The penalties range from six years and one day to 12 years. The crime has a fine of P200,000 or up to a maximum amount that evens up to the damage caused.

And in case you accidentally click a link, Concepcion said the law still stands.

“Hindi naman porket may panloloko at kayo ay naloko, na hindi na sila mapaparusahan. In fact, [through] deceit, paglilinlang, 'yung bottom line niyan, itong panloloko na ‘to ang talagang pinarurusahan ng batas natin,” she said.

In case you get victimized by a fake account that’s pretending to be someone you know, Concepcion said that the person whose identity was stolen won’t be penalized.

“Sa ilalim po ng batas natin, hindi natin pinarurusahan ang mga inosente. Ang naparurusahan natin whether by act or omission, ay ang nakagawa ng damage sa kanyang kapwa,” Concepcion said.

3. Think before you click.

Concepcion reminded everyone that PINs and One-Time PINs or OTPs should not be shared with anyone.

“Hindi kayo susulatan nang basta basta para hingan itong information sa ‘yo,” she said.

So remember: be careful, think before you click, and don’t click unless you’ve verified with the bank or people involved. —JCB, GMA Integrated News