As the country faces the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers are using the current situation to take advantage of people, many of whom may be more vulnerable to their schemes during these uncertain times.
The DICT CyberSecurity Bureau urges everyone to be cautious. Here’s what to know about the COVID-19 scams out there, as well as some precautionary measures you can take to avoid being scammed during the coronavirus outbreak.
Banks will never request for your personal information, account number or any one-time passwords.
DICT has received reports that people have received e-mails asking them to click a link to prevent de-activation of their bank accounts due to COVID-19. Doing so will compromise account security. To safeguard your accounts, DICT advises the public to:
· Ignore any suspicious emails, calls or text messages, and report it to your respective banks immediately. This includes not opening nor clicking any links.
· If you are concerned about the authenticity of the email/call/text message, contact your bank immediately and provide all necessary details about the email/call/text message.
· Use only the official apps of your banks–check your bank’s official pages/websites to learn more.
If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, IT IS.
· Carefully study and examine offers and invitations to participate in schemes promising easy money especially in these difficult times.
· Be wary of text scams using the name of government officials, wherein one would receive a text message stating they won money via electronic raffle.
For cybersecurity incidents, report to CERT-PH through the following channels:
FB: www.facebook.com/Ncertgovph
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 09214942917 (Smart)/09561542042 (Globe)
Landline: 8920-0101 local 1708
