Reckless and imprudent online shoppers get a bigger chance of becoming “online budol” victims as scammers. Online shoppers get engrossed in buying more because of sales or discounts without realizing they are providing fraudsters with their payment information. (Image by THEPHILBIZNEWS/MAS)
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Since the pandemic hit the country, the massive growth of the e-commerce industry in the Philippines was phenomenal, and this will be the trend according to many experts. Lifestyle has changed significantly especially when shopping.
While we know many Filipinos would love to visit the brick and mortar stores, the unabated pandemic and also the various COVID-19 variants made others wary to go to the stores or malls to shop. Hence, purchasing habit was forced to embrace online shopping as the new normal of shopping. Fast, convenient just at the tip of your fingers and also at the comfort of your home.
That is why when there online sales announcement that lured many Pinoys into shopping online for some products and goodies they realize they don’t need them after all, they’d say in jest, “Nabudol na naman ako!”
As the Christmas celebration draws near, many are still finding ways to complete their shopping list and with the traffic now, nothing beats shopping online.
Thanks to the growing e-commerce platforms and enterprising Pinoys. Shopping has never been more accessible and convenient and online shopping also gives us the safer option to buy things we want or need without going out.
However, the recent news about cases of cybercrime and online frauds made everyone wary of doing online shopping because of the fact scammers and hackers are lurking in cyberspace. While you’re ready to tick off all the boxes on your Christmas gift list, fraudsters are also preparing to attack during this season and not just ruin the holiday spirit but your budget as well.
Cognizant of the skepticism to go online shopping, Security Bank shares simple but helpful tips so you can worry less and enjoy safe shopping online.
Keep an eye out for amazing deals such as promos and discounts, but make sure they are legitimate to avoid being scammed!
Received a message with a promo or discount? Buying gifts at lower prices sounds great, but before you click that link, think twice, and make sure you’re not getting phished! If you’re not yet familiar, phishing is a popular modus that involves sending fraudulent messages intended to persuade you to divulge personal information. Most of the time, fraudsters do this by sending messages linked to malicious websites or email notifications that try to replicate those of the original. Many people have lost thousands by simply clicking a link so beware.
What you can do is to verify first if the messages you’re receiving are from legitimate merchants. Protect yourself and follow these pointers to make sure you won’t get phished.
Never give your physical card or card details: Banks will never ask for your physical card or card details in exchange for discount codes, freebies, or even a credit card upgrade. If you encounter this, then it’s most likely a card replacement scam. So, keep an eye out for these types of messages!
Validate the sender: Double, even triple, check if the message came from Security Bank’s official email address, SMS, or Viber account. If you still have doubts, you may directly verify it through Security Bank’s contact numbers or countercheck through the official promo page at https://www.securitybank.com/promos/
Scrutinize emails and text messages received.: Often, phishing messages contain typos, grammatical errors, and even formatting mistakes. Spotting these can help tip you off.
Going cashless? Enjoy safe shopping by using your debit and credit cards.
During this time, cash is not just your only option. Nothing beats safe and stress-free shopping amid the holiday rush. Go cashless for a worry-free shopping experience using your debit or credit cards. If you’re shopping in-store, take advantage of the tap to pay system to lessen physical contact. Cards also have security measures in place that keep your transactions secure, such as two-factor authentication.
Below are additional tips to keep every cashless transaction free from fraud:
· Beware of website spoofing: Make sure you’re not transacting on a spoofed or fake website. Before entering any personal details, check if the address bar has a padlock icon along with the correct URL. If transacting via apps, check if these are legitimate and official.
Download only from reputable app stores and developers and transact only on reputable and trusted marketplace platforms. They have security protocols on card acceptance and dispute management that can protect you from scams or malicious merchants. Be wary of merchants that entice you to transact outside of the platform in exchange for lower prices or faster delivery, this is a sign of a possible scam.
On top of these, always ensure that the devices you’re using during online shopping are protected by an Anti-Virus program. Once a device is infected by a virus or malware, it can result into compromised personal and banking details
Track your transactions: Take advantage of online banking apps like Security Bank Online (SBOL) that lets you keep track of all your purchases. Through SBOL, you can conveniently check purchases and transactions made using your bank account or credit cards. Check your transaction logs on the app regularly and if you see any unauthorized transaction, report it immediately to Security Bank.
‘· Never give your OTP, CVV, and PIN
You wouldn’t give your personal information to strangers, right? Practice the same thing with your bank account details. Remember: Security Bank will never ask for your OTP, CVV, and PIN via call, text, or email. Customers who initiate the call to the Bank may be required to verify information, but not the other way around.
These -ber months, stay safe not just from the virus but from nasty fraudsters who might try to ruin the festive season. Always keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy safe holiday shopping with Security Bank. This way, you can focus on what matters most—making your loved ones feel special.
As a welcome gift to new Security Bank cardholders, get ShopeePay eGCs when you meet a minimum single spend requirements. Terms and conditions apply to this promo. More details at https://www.securitybank.com/promos/featured/shopeepay/.
Notice a suspicious activity while shopping? Report it immediately. Contact Security Bank’s Fraud Hotline at 8-814-2664 or Viber +63-917-893-0111. Visit Security Bank’s Fraud Awareness page for more tips at https://www.securitybank.com/fraud-awareness/.