“These days, most scammers don’t break into accounts by force—they convince you to open the door,” said Jon Paz, BPI’s Data Protection Officer.

“They use urgency, fear, or familiarity to make you act without thinking. That’s where the danger lies,” he said in a news release.

Paz noted that banks continue to invest heavily in cybersecurity, including AI-driven fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication. However, even the most advanced systems can be bypassed when customers are tricked into giving secret information away.

“We can build the strongest systems, but scammers take advantage of human vulnerabilities. Awareness remains to be the most important defense against scams,” he added.

For consumers to be more aware, here are the tactics fraudsters commonly use—and how customers can stay a step ahead.

1. Fake bank calls that sound real

One of the most common tactics involves callers who claim to work for banks, e-wallets, or any financial service company. They would claim that there’s a suspicious transaction, or they need to “verify” your account. Their goal is to get you to reveal your OTP, password, or card details. Banks do not ask for OTPs or passwords over the phone. If you receive a call like this, or you have inquiries, BPI encourages customers to call its 24-hour Contact Center at (+632) 889-10000 or chat with BEA on the official website.

2. Links that lead to look-alike sites

Fraudsters send messages promising refunds, rewards, or account reactivation. The link directs you to a fake banking page designed to harvest your login details. Remember, BPI will never send clickable links via email or text, so NEVER click on any link. You will also know if it is fake by checking the URL carefully. If it’s not the bank’s official domain —bpi.com.ph—it is a scam.

3. Routine “verification” requests

Some scammers pose as bank staff conducting a quick system check. They may ask you to read an OTP aloud, screen-share your phone, or install an app.

Customers are advised that banks never perform account verification through unsolicited calls or chats. Clients must download apps only from Google Play Store, Apple AppStore, and other official mobile app download sites.

4. AI screenshots as payment confirmation

Social media marketplaces are fertile ground for scam buyers or sellers offering deals that seem urgent or unusually cheap. They may request payment upfront and even send fake payment confirmations to appear legitimate. However, once the payment is made, the goods or funds never arrive.

If you’re an online seller, scammers may use AI-generated payment confirmation screenshots. BPI is urging customers to check the account to verify, and not just rely on a screenshot.

5. “Emergency” money requests

Scammers sometimes pretend to be a friend or relative using a new number, claiming they need money urgently. Consumers must verify through another contact or channel before sending anything.

Tech helps, but awareness is essential. In summary, BPI encourages customers to:

1. Keep OTPs and passwords confidential.

2. Ignore links sent via text, even if it appears to be from BPI.

3. Transact only through official bank platforms.

4. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

“It’s frustrating.” That’s how San Miguel Corp. (SMC) big boss Ramon S. Ang (RSA) pictured himself upon seeing a deepfake video using his interview with Anthony Taberna to peddle an investment scam: $250 for a “guaranteed return” of $1,500.

The doctored video clip is a dead giveaway — I mean, what kind of person would have his lips floating under his nose while he speaks??? And yet, Meta — for all its algorithmic wisdom, and despite receiving reports it is a deepfake — has not taken the malicious ad down.

In fact, when it is reported, the response you would get is that this obvious fraud — perhaps, because it is a paid and likely boosted ad — “does not violate our community standards.”

That means, never mind that it is a blatant scam surely designed to swindle people out of their hard-earned money. Never mind that it ran as a paid, sponsored ad, actively pushed to reach millions!

This is the consequence if it’s true that Meta cut off its staff of fact-checkers and now relies almost entirely on automated responses when complaints are reported. At least, that’s what I heard – fact-check me please, Facebook, if this information is wrong.

Human absence in fact-checking is bound to become Meta’s failure by over-reliance on AI-driven responses. This would result in making the platform a real hotbed for scams, Mr. Mark Zuckerberg.

I predict this is where Facebook will wear down its rabid Filipino and international users as it allows itself to lose its edge. Human absence in handling these cases means a loss of human discernment when it comes to detecting deceit.

RSA himself has called out the danger of these scams. Perhaps, Mr. Zuckerberg can learn a bit or two from a fellow CEO and act to take meaningful steps in his Meta to arrest the proliferation of these scams in his cyber wonderland.

This isn’t about free speech; it’s about platform responsibility. If Meta can’t clean up its own back yard, maybe regulators should start forcing them to.

*         *         *

SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.thephilbiznews.com

With outbound travel from the Philippines surging, visa applications are at an all-time high—making visa applicants prime targets for scammers. Fraudsters pose as VFS Global representatives, sell fake appointments, issue fraudulent letters, or claim they can influence visa decisions to deceive unsuspecting travelers.

At a press conference in Manila on February 12, 2025, VFS Global, a global leader in visa outsourcing, warned applicants to apply early and stay alert.

Bernard Vijaykumar, VFS Global’s Head for North Asia & Philippines, said: “Apply well in advance to avoid delays and reduce the risk of fraud. VFS Global does not work with third-party agents for appointment bookings and has no role in visa decisions. Beware of scammers posing as our representatives.”

To avoid visa scams, he suggests:

• Apply early – Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before travel (Schengen visas: 6 months). Apply as soon as you book flights and accommodation.
• Visa appointments are free – Book only at www.vfsglobal.com. Some countries require a nominal service fee for prepayment, but appointments are never sold.
• VFS Global does not influence visa decisions – Embassies and consulates alone determine visa approvals, durations, and processing times.
• VFS Global has no third-party agents – Avoid scammers promising guaranteed appointments or visa approvals for a fee.
• No job placement or immigration services – Beware of fraudsters offering fake job or immigration opportunities in exchange for money.

How to avoid common visa mistakes

• Information mismatch – Ensure your name, passport number, and date of birth match official documents.
• Wrong photo format – Check country-specific photo guidelines before submission.
• Incomplete documents – Use the VFS Global checklist for your destination to avoid delays or rejections.
• Unauthenticated bank statements – Some countries require officially validated financial documents.

Vijaykumar reiterated that VFS Global only manages administrative tasks for visa processing in the Philippines for 28 governments, including Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and more, and has no role in visa decisions.

He listed VFS optional services for a hassle-free visa experience:

• Visa at your doorstep – Apply and enroll biometrics from your preferred location.
• Premium lounge – A VIP visa submission experience.
• Prime time services – Apply or collect your passport beyond working hours.
• SMS & courier services – Stay updated and receive documents conveniently.

Stay informed, apply early, and beware of scams. Visit www.vfsglobal.com for secure, verified visa processing.

“Fighting scams and fraud requires collaboration between telco companies like PLDT and Smart, and the public. We have activated our HULISCAM platform to make it easier for our customers to report unsolicited messages and the mobile numbers that sent these messages,” said Jojo Gendrano, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart.

The HULISCAM portal, https://smart.com.ph/huliscam, encourages users to report suspicious messages by submitting the sender’s mobile number, the scam text, and any malicious links included in the message. Smart has assured customers that all reports will be thoroughly investigated, with necessary actions taken to protect the public from fraud.

“Smart assures customers that we will investigate these suspicious messages and take the necessary steps to protect our customers from scams and fraud. Smart also coordinates with law enforcement agencies to apprehend personalities behind these illegal activities,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory Affairs at PLDT and Smart.

In addition to the HULISCAM portal, Smart has been enhancing its security systems. In August, Smart blocked almost 300 million SMShing messages and deactivated over 845,000 mobile numbers tied to fraudulent activities. The company has also introduced new verification tools in its SIM registration system, including live selfie features and enhanced ID checks, to prevent the use of fake identities during registration.

Smart’s initiatives extend beyond technology. The company works closely with distributors and trade partners to ensure the secure distribution of SIM cards. Its #BeCyberSmart and #MagingCyberSmart campaigns continue to educate customers on how to recognize and avoid falling victim to scams.

As part of the campaign, Smart shares the SCAM acronym to help customers stay vigilant:

• S is for suspicious: Never respond to messages or calls from unverified numbers. Banks and official representatives will not ask for account details or OTPs.
• C is for clickbait: Scams often lure victims with too-good-to-be-true offers or prize winnings, urging them to click links.
• A is for alarming: Scammers create urgency or fear to extract sensitive information.
• M is for malicious: Scam messages usually include a phishing link leading to a fraudulent website.

Customers can report scams not only through HULISCAM but also via Smart’s official social media pages and customer service hotline *888. By empowering users and leveraging advanced technology, Smart aims to create a safer digital environment for its customers.