BPI warns against cyber fraudsters ahead of Oct. 19 systems upgrade

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday warned clients against cybercriminals and fraudsters, and issued tips on how to protect themselves.

The Ayala-led bank issued the statement days ahead of a major systems upgrade on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.

Most of the bank’s channels including online banking, mobile app, BizLink and ELink platforms, ATMs, Cash Accept Machines, and debit card services would be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade.

“While the most advanced and sophisticated cybersecurity systems can help curb fraud, people still need to do their part,” BPI said.

“Most cybersecurity professionals would acknowledge that the weakest links in the system are, more often than not, individuals who wittingly or unwittingly open the door to security breaches,” it said.

BPI reminded its clients that securing their accounts can be done through “simple, but often forgotten, things that anyone can do to protect themselves and others.”

Here are the tips from the Ayala-led bank:

• Double check e-mails that are supposedly from your bank or online sellers (Institutions such as banks will never e-mail to ask clients to verify personal information online. If any action is requested by the bank through e-mail, you should contact the bank through their official channels.

• Be discreet about posting personal information and updates on social media. These may be used by scammers already in possession of your log in credentials to steal your identity and pass security checks by your bank and credit card companies.

• Pause and check for telltale signs of phishing, like incorrectly spelled URLs in e-mail links and requests for personal data and confidential information.

• Know the elements of a suspicious email: It was unsolicited, it contains grammatical errors, contains offers that are too good to be true, or it redirects to another site.

• Don’t fall for threats and blackmail attempts. Stop communications and report the incident to the authorities.

“Cybersecurity is essentially a matter of taking on a cautious mindset and thinking before clicking,” the bank said. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News