BDO warns clients vs. debit, credit card scams

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s larger lender controlled by the Sy family, on Thursday reminded clients on how to protect themselves against debit or credit card scams.

“Scams are becoming increasingly ‘authentic’ and ‘sophisticated.’ But there are ways to spot and outsmart them,” BDO said in a statement.

“The first is never share your one-time PIN or OTP, card/account/reference number, or three-digit CVV with anyone, even if the person calling tells you he or she is from the bank. Real bank representatives will never ask for any of these confidential information,” it said.

“Second, do not verify your account by clicking on a link sent via email or SMS. These links will redirect you to a website that imitates the bank’s official website. These fake websites are used to steal your information,” it said.

BDO said it would only send links to share information such as card promotions. It said when clients encounter suspicious emails, they should send them to  [email protected].

“Third, transact only using BDO Digital Banking app or BDO Pay,” it said. If a client uses the web browser, just type  online.bdo.com.ph  on the address bar to access the BDO Digital Banking account. BDO said it would never ask clients to log in to their Digital Banking account through a link. “‹

“Fourth, if BDO monitors a suspicious transaction, the bank sends a transaction alert notification to its cardholder’s registered mobile number. Using its legitimate sender ID–BDO-Alert, the bank will provide the amount charged to the cardholder’s debit or credit card, and the merchant where the item was purchased. The cardholder will then be asked to verify the transaction via SMS,” it said.

If the cardholder did not make the transaction, they are advised to call BDO Customer Contact Center Hotline at (02) 8631-8000 or message BDO Customer Care with a blue verified checkmark on Facebook Messenger.

“Fifth, before traveling abroad, BDO reminds clients to check their available credit card limit and inform the bank how long they will be away prior to their trip. Doing so will allow the bank to take note of their overseas transactions. However, for added protection, the bank may still send SMS alerts or make calls to verify purchases,” the bank said.

“And sixth, cardholders have the option to lock and unlock their debit and credit cards using BDO Digital Banking to manage their transactions. This function comes in handy if they misplace their cards,” the bank said.

“When suspicious transactions are detected however, the bank will temporarily lock a client’s card,” BDO said.

To reactivate a locked card, clients may use either of these options: via BDO’s official website (click on “Cards,” “Credit Cards,” “Card Services,” then “Activation”) or through BDO Digital Banking mobile app (click on “More,” “Security Management,” then slide toggle button on card to be unlocked; wait for OTP and enter it to confirm

Cardholders can also text UB YES <reference number> to 225678 or call the hotline at (02) 8702 6888.

BDO continues to advise cardholders to always be vigilant and protect their sensitive information to avoid falling victim to fraudulent acts.