Under the partnership, qualified BPI clients will receive complimentary 12-month access to Whoscall Premium Basic, Gogolook’s anti-scam app, starting from successful activation.
The app allows users to identify unknown callers, block spam and scam calls, and filter suspicious messages, providing another layer of protection for customers using mobile banking and other digital financial services.
Spotting scams
BPI said the collaboration also seeks to address uncertainty among customers receiving unsolicited calls and messages claiming to be from the bank.
The partnership will help verify BPI’s official outbound calls, making it easier for customers to distinguish legitimate bank communications from potentially fraudulent ones.
Eligible clients will receive instructions on activating and redeeming their complimentary Whoscall access through BPI’s official communication channels.
“At a time when scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, building awareness is just as important as providing protection,” said Alma Aldip, BPI head of unsecured lending and cards-product and sales.
“This partnership allows us to go beyond traditional banking by equipping our clients with tools and knowledge that help them stay one step ahead of fraud. While Whoscall provides an added layer of protection, we still encourage customers to remain vigilant and exercise caution in all financial transactions,” she added.
Added protection
BPI stressed that Whoscall is a third-party application being offered as a complimentary tool, with its features and performance handled by Gogolook rather than the bank.
Customers who receive suspicious calls, messages or requests claiming to be from BPI were advised to immediately contact the bank through its official channels.
Gogolook, meanwhile, said collaboration between financial institutions and technology companies has become increasingly important as fraudsters adapt their tactics.
“Scam tactics are becoming more localized and sophisticated, which is why collaboration is key in staying ahead of fraud,” said Gogolook Global chief operations officer Manwoo Joo.
Digital security
Joo said the partnership would bring Gogolook’s global expertise in digital risk detection to more Filipinos and provide them with tools to better identify suspicious communications.
BPI said the initiative forms part of its efforts to strengthen secure banking experiences through technology and strategic partnerships as the bank marks its 175th year. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
