Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scam
Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scam
Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scam
PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM FRAUD AND SCAM
Say NO to SCAMS!
Invest and
Earn more!
Phantom Riches
from ₱10,000
to ₱1,000,000
Fraudsters promise the prospect
of instant and guaranteed wealth.
People tend to forget that “If
something sounds too good to be
true, it usually is a scam.”
Social Consensus
To increase trust, fraudsters claim
that others have already joined or
contributed to a cause at hand, like
an investment opportunity.
Article 1338 of the Civil Code of the Philippines states that there
is fraud when, through insidious words or machinations of one Source Credibility
of the contracting parties, the other is induced to enter into a
contract which, without them, he would not have agreed to. To further build credibility,
fraudsters claim to be affiliated
Insidious words or machinations refer to a deceitful scheme or with a reputable agency or claim
plot with a fraudulent purpose. It can be done by concealment to have a special expertise.
or omission of material facts.
SKIMMING AND
to Avoid Financial and
JACKPOTTING
Investment Scams... Illegal installation of malicious hardware (e.g., scanner, camera, keypad
overlay) or software in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or Point-
Scammers are experts in manipulation and they will spend time of-Sale (POS) devices. The scanner copies information on the debit,
earning your trust until you let your guard down. To avoid loss when credit, or ATM card while the camera captures Personal Identification
faced with a scammer, exercise the following three activities: Number (PIN). This enables hackers to create counterfeit cards and
gain access to accounts.
?
Think
Jackpotting happens when an illegally installed software gives
Before providing personal information hackers control over ATM functions.
or giving away money, take a moment
to pause and think about the credibility
of the person or company you are
dealing with, the soundness of the
information being provided, and the
possible risks of a certain action.
Examine
When in doubt, do not rush into a
decision. Scammers usually create
a false sense of urgency. Examine
the situation first and ask questions. Remember:
Challenge the person you are talking to
about the things and ideas that you are • Look out for unusual features or loose parts of an ATM or POS device.
not sure of and are uncomfortable with.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Use ATMs in well-lit and
Study well-guarded areas. Ensure that your debit, credit, or ATM card is
equipped with a Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) chip.
Give yourself time to study and get
as much information from different • Do not let other people use your card or stand close by when you
sources. Consult other people who are make transactions.
familiar to you or who are experts on
the issue at hand. You can also get • When transacting with a merchant using a POS device, keep an eye
information from credible agencies like on your card and the cashier.
government institutions or reputable
private organizations. • Regularly check your account balance and billing statements.
Report unauthorized or suspicious transactions to your bank or
financial institution immediately.
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission
https://www.sec.gov.ph/investors-education-and-information/investment-scam-checklist/
Common Types of Fraud and Scam: Common Types of Fraud and Scam:
Cloning Machine
THEFT FRAUD
of victim’s committed
personal using stolen
and account information to
information access victim’s
account
Clone Card
123
Remember:
• Beware of unexpected calls from someone claiming to be from position
of authority and asking for personal information and bank details.
Remember:
• Note down the person’s details such as name, company and
• Keep an eye on your cards at all times during all transactions. department. Always call your bank or financial institution directly to
verify if the person is legitimate.
• Do not post pictures of your cards on social media.
• Activate multi-factor authentication such as One-Time Password (OTP),
• Do not give your personal information and account details to anyone. security questions, biometrics, email and text alerts to get notified every
time there is a transaction involving your accounts and cards.
• Verify legitimacy of stores (including online shops) and their personnel.
• Safeguard your identification cards, bank statements, and billing
statements.
Common Types of Fraud and Scam: Common Types of Fraud and Scam:
ACCOUNT VERIFICATION
TO GET FREE
From: BSP-PHIL’ CHARITY
FOUNDATION:
HANDOG’ PANGKABUHAYAN:
SIGN IN
From: [email protected]
SPOOFED WEBSITES
ACCOUNT VERIFICATION
Websites that look legitimate, but are created by scammers to trick
From: [email protected]
websites.
ensure that your account is safe and secure please
click here to update your account immediately.
Regards,
XYZ Bank Internet Banking Help Desk individuals or companies.
Pharming
FORM ACCOUNT VERIFICATION
Redirection of a user to a
fake website to steal personal
information or account
CLICK information details.
Vishing
CLICK
Voice calls, automated voice
recording, or Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) from someone
pretending to be an employee of
a bank or popular company, and
asking for account details.
Remember:
• Do not enter personal information, bank account or credit card details
in suspicious or unverified websites.
SMiShing
CONGRATULATIONS
• Always check the address bar or properties of a website to verify if it
Same modus operandi as is legitimate.
1,000,000
WINNER phishing but uses text or
LOG IN TO CLAIM IT
Short Message Service (SMS)
on mobile phones instead of
enteryouremailaddress
enteryourpassword
email.
LOG IN
PONZI AND
PYRAMIDING SCAM
Ponzi Scam
A scammer pretends to be a successful investment manager,
owner or representative of a bogus investment company, or head
or member of a reputable organization but, in reality, does not have
an existing investment portfolio. The scammer would offer high
returns in a short period of time, promising guaranteed profits with
little or no risk of loss. The scammer is usually a skilled, charming,
and convincing communicator who encourages investors to also
invite others to invest and promises commissions for new recruits.
Pyramiding
Scammers convince investors to buy an investment product, and
promise high earnings over a short period. Investors are required
to recruit other buyers as their earnings increase based on the
number of new recruits. Scammers normally pay investors back
during the initial stages to appear legitimate and encourage more
investors to buy the product. The “pyramid” eventually collapses
when the money coming from new investors is not enough to cover
the payouts to earlier investors.
Remember:
Remember:
How to know if Multi-
• Investment offers that sound “too good to be true” are usually scams.
Level Marketing is a
Scam?
• Even legitimate investment companies cannot double or triple your
money over a short period of time and can never guarantee returns.
CAUTION
the expected return, the higher the potential risks.
• Do not let anyone pressure you into putting your hard-earned money If the answer to any of the following
into an investment opportunity. questions is NO, it might be a SCAM!
• Always get and keep appropriate binding documentation and proofs
(physical or digital forms) of your investments.
Common Types of Fraud and Scam: Common Types of Fraud and Scam:
Remember:
• Think critically and remove the emotion from your decisions no
matter how caring or persistent the person is.
• Avoid any arrangement with persons who ask for immediate
Remember: payment or domestic or international fund transfers.
• Avoid any arrangements with a stranger who asks for up-front and • Be careful about the information you share on social networking
immediate payment, personal information, or account confirmation. sites.
• Do not give your personal or bank details to strangers or
• Do not believe in offers or earning opportunities that are too good to be acquaintances.
true.
• Contact your bank or financial institution immediately if you think
• Do not send money, bank, and personal details to anyone you do not you have given out your account details to scammers or you feel
fully know or trust. that your account is compromised.
Common Types of Fraud and Scam: Common Types of Fraud and Scam:
Attack Type 1:
Fraudster obtain personal and account details through phishing
and other tactics. Once sufficient information is obtained, fraudster
requests for a replacement of the victim’s SIM card from the mobile
phone provider. The old SIM is then deactivated by the mobile phone
provider, allowing the fraudster to access the victim’s accounts or
make transactions since authentication verifications are now sent to
the new SIM card in the possession of the fraudster.
Attack Type 2:
Fraudster in the guise of a telco representative entices the victim
to exchange his/her SIM card for a fake “promo”. Once the victim
Remember: agrees, the fraudster either clones or steals the victim’s SIM card
details and proceeds to access the victim’s accounts for unauthorized
• Research the company advertising a job opening. Verify its transactions.
legitimacy and ensure that the job opening actually exists.
UNAUTHORIZED
ONLINE LENDERS
A scheme where fraudsters pretend as private individual lenders or
claim to operate on behalf of a legitimate financial institution. They
offer lenders credit lines or loans online, either through a website or
social media platforms. Fraudsters will put more focus on collecting
upfront fees for the so-called credit scoring or loan application
and gathering the victim’s personal details for potential or abusive
fraudulent financial transactions.
APPLICATION FORM
Remember:
• Never give out personal information and SIM card details in response
to unsolicited call or texts from unknown or unverified individuals.
Remember:
• Always check text and email alerts for unusual transactions or
activities involving your accounts. Before availing of a loan from a credit provider through a website or
social media platform:
• In case you’ve already provided your SIM and other personal details,
contact your bank/mobile phone provider immediately.
Do your research.
• Find out the registered name of the online lender, the company that
provides the actual loan to online borrowers. Online lenders often
use trade or brand names different from their registered or legal names.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU
authorization documents.
• Confirm that a BSFI—such as bank, pawnshop or e-money issuer
GET SCAMMED:
that uses an online platform to provide loans—is licensed and
authorized by the BSP. Search its name from the list of BSFIs on
the BSP website, call the BSP Consumer Protection and Market
Conduct Office, or chat with the BSP Online Buddy (BOB).
Report frauds, scams, and abuses relating to products and
• Confirm that an online lender—such as a financing company or services of BSFIs* to:
lending company is registered and authorized by the SEC. Check
the SEC website regularly for advisories on unauthorized lenders or
call the SEC to report unauthorized online lenders. BSP Online Buddy
(BOB)
• Remember that you have no protection or recourse when you
transact with unauthorized online lenders. Webchat
1. Go to https://www.bsp.gov.ph
2. Look for BOB’s icon on the lower right portion of the page.
Follow these basic tips to protect yourself. 3. Click BOB’s icon and a chat box will appear.
• Transact only with a duly licensed, registered, or authorized online Facebook Messenger
lender. 1. Open the official BSP Facebook page
2. Click the Messenger icon
• Transact only if you fully trust the online lender, its technology or 3. Click “Get Started”
platform provider and other partners, if any.
SMS
• Share personal and account information only if you have proven 1. Open your messaging app.
the integrity and security of the online lending platform. 2. Text “Complaint” to 21582277 (For Globe subscribers only. Regular
rates may apply).
• Borrow only if you have fully evaluated your credit needs, 3. Wait for acknowledgement and feedback prompt.
calculated your amortization, and assessed your capacity to pay
the loan in full and on time.
• Borrow only if you have read and understood all the loan terms and
conditions including interest rates, fees, and other charges.
Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas
• Keep proofs of transactions such as loan agreements, official A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila 1004
receipts, confirmation of payments, and related communications.
Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office
• Make sure that the online lender has an accessible and effective Strategic Communication and Advocacy
consumer assistance or redress mechanism. Email: [email protected]
Direct Line: (02) 5306-2584 | (02) 8708-7087
Trunkline: (02) 8708-7701 loc. 2584
Facsimile: (02) 8708-7088
INSURANCE COMMISSION
1071 United Nations Avenue, Manila PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
Anti- Cybercrime Group
Public Assistance and Mediation Division PNP National Headquarters
Email: [email protected] Camp General Crame, EDSA, Quezon City
[email protected] Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (02) 8523 8461 to 70 local 103 or 127; Telephone: (02) 3414 1560
(02) 8404 1758 Mobile: 0998 598 8116
WHAT TO DO IF YOU
GET SCAMMED:
To block text scammers, contact your phone service
provider or report to: