“Don’t let the cyber Grinch steal your Christmas,” the bank warned, urging consumers to stay vigilant against cybercrime.
In a statement, Jonathan Paz, BPI enterprise information security and data protection officer, highlighted the heightened risk during the festive season.
“Cybercriminals ramp up scams during this festive season through fraudulent emails, fake websites, and other online threats,” Paz said. “By staying informed and cautious, we can protect our personal and financial information from falling into the wrong hands.”
Key safety tips
A 2023 Statista survey revealed that eight out of 10 Filipinos plan to shop during holiday sales, with many opting for both online and in-store purchases. With popular items such as apparel, electronics, and toys topping shopping lists, scammers see an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting consumers.
To help shoppers avoid falling victim to cyberattacks, BPI shared several key safety tips, including avoiding public Wi-Fi for online transactions, never sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), and ensuring that purchases are made only through legitimate websites.
The bank also recommends using secure digital wallets and exercising caution when using ATMs.
Shared responsibility
BPI is committed to raising awareness and promoting cyber hygiene—practices that enhance protection against cyberattacks, the bank said.
"Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility," Paz said, stressing the importance of staying alert and informed.
In its ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers, BPI continues to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures to fortify protection in an increasingly digital world.
