The holidays are upon us once again, and we all know what that means—shopping! Because of the pandemic, we need to be extra careful. Going outside to visit shops is not always the practical choice. Fortunately, ecommerce has become more accessible, giving us the safer option to shop online. Along with its perks, however, are numerous scammers 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.
You might be thinking, “so what’s the best way to avoid becoming a victim?” The short answer: stay vigilant and familiarize yourself with the red flags.
Here are some tips so you can worry less and enjoy safe shopping online with Security Bank.
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/
- 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/
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/
