Banking public warned against prevalence of text or SMS hijacking scam

THE banking public should be wary against the prevalence of text or SMS hijacking, a type of scam wherein fraudsters impersonate legitimate SMS senders to dupe recipients into believing that the messages they receive are authentic.

According to reports from law enforcement agencies, illegal cellular sites, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, are using sender IDs of trusted brands like BDO to make scam texts appear legit. 

These spoofed messages usually entice clients with claims of prizes won, free gifts, or claims of account problems. In all these cases, the scammer instructs the client to click on a link included in the spoofed message. 

Once clicked, the fake link will lead to a fake website, wherein the victim will be instructed to enter his/her account details including username, password and One-Time PIN or OTP. After this information has been shared, the scammer will then use these bank credentials to gain access to the victim's bank account and steal their money.

BDO stressed that it will never send messages with clickable links to its clients. Furthermore, the Bank shared the following tips to avoid being scammed by SMS hijacking:

• Never click on links. BDO will NEVER send links. If the message has a link, it’s a SCAM!

• Never share personal information via SMS

• Be wary of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true

BDO also advised its clients to report and forward any suspicious messages to 22567888.

A partner for every Negrense

 

BDO Unibank’s wide footprint in Bacolod and Negros Occidental ensures that people can easily access its wide range of products—whether it’s for their personal savings, loans, investments, or businesses—tailored to each customer’s unique needs, wherever they may be in their financial journey.

Branches as the preferred channel

Negrenses continue to prefer over-the-counter transactions, with 82 percent done through branches as of March 2024, based on the latest data. This underscores the BDO's branch as a vital customer touchpoint, particularly in a province where sugar is the primary industry, supported by agriculture as the main source of livelihood (sugarcane, rice and corn farming, livestock and poultry, fishing and aquaculture); agro-processing related to sugar like sugar mills, refineries, and ethanol production plants; manufacturing, especially food and beverage production; and retail and trade.

Farmers, fisherfolk, and factory workers often choose to go to branches for their banking needs due to trust and familiarity with local bank personnel and the ease of utilizing branch banking methods. They can conveniently find a nearby BDO branch or its community banking arm, the BDO Network Branch (BDONB). Even with in-branch digital channels like Account Assist Kiosks, Service Assist Kiosks, Cash Deposit, and Universal Teller Machine, Customer Relations Officers and Assistants are always ready to help clients who may find the technology intimidating. This approach exemplifies BDO's We Find Ways service philosophy, making Negreses enjoy access to simple, easy, and secure banking through its extensive presence in the region.

Other channels complementing branches

Given their nature of work, farmers and fisherfolk often engage in cash-based transactions. Consequently, they use ATMs more frequently than personal online banking channels to withdraw cash. About 68 percent of all savings-related transactions in Negros Occidental were conducted through ATMs as of March 2024, BDO said. By September 2024, BDO Unibank has a total of 93 ATMs while BDONB has 11 ATMs in Negros Occidental.

For far-flung communities not yet reached by BDO and BDONB branches, numerous Cash Agad partner-agents across Negros Occidental provide basic banking services like balance inquiries, cash withdrawals, bills payment, and cash-in services. 

Your friendly neighborhood Automated Tao Machine. Clients line up to play games in the Cash Agad booth during the BDO Fiesta.

Dubbed the Automated Tao Machine, Cash Agad essentially acts as a neighborhood ATM, wherein point-of-sale terminals are installed in various small businesses such as mini-groceries, water refilling stations, and hardware stores. Customers who need cash and live far from the nearest bank or ATM can visit a Cash Agad partner-agent to withdraw money or use the available services using their BDO ATM. 

As of September 2024, there are a total of 374 active Cash Agad partner-agents in Negros Occidental.

BDO Fiesta well-received in Bacolod 

Filled to the brim. Negrenses flock to Bacolod SMX Convention Center during the culminating activity of the BDO Fiesta.

Following the success of the BDO Fiesta in the Ilocos province, BDO recently hosted an event in Bacolod with the theme Tara na sa BDO! Sa bangko, sigurado. The event was equally well-received, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Negrenses enjoyed BDO’s secure and tailored banking experience, which included extended banking hours, weekend banking, and on-the-ground activities with lots of prizes, surprises, and a Thanksgiving concert at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center.

BDO’s cash management becomes tool for financial inclusion

A number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Negros Occidental will soon be able to utilize BDO Unibank's cash management services (CMS) not only to efficiently manage their cashflow, but also to serve as an important financial inclusion tool for their own employees.

In an SME Forum titled Usapang Negosyo held recently at the Circle Inn Hotel & Suites in Bacolod City hosted by BDO, SMEs witnessed firsthand how BDO's bundled CMS package consisting of Business Online Banking, payroll and check disbursement will be able to help their businesses run smoothly by leveraging on the bank's online and digital solutions.

But what really piqued their interest was how the payroll of CMS will help them automate their own payroll preparation and delivery. Under this feature, SMEs will open savings accounts for their employees, thus enabling their staff to receive their salary semi-monthly through their accounts.

This will be of great importance to SMEs as a number of them still process their payroll manually. Moreover, most if not all of their employees do not have a bank account yet.

Automatic savings account for their employees

Jamielyn Tampus (left) listens to Grace R. Caguioa, BDO Unibank First Vice President and Head of its Transaction Banking Group CMS-SME Segment, and Severio Caspe Jr., Business Development Officer, about the features of the various cash management services.

"The payroll of CMS is good for our employees because it will also serve as their savings account. All of our employees don't have a bank account yet," Jamielyn Tampus, dealer and operator of EcoOil gas station, said. "It'll make the payroll process convenient and save us some resources. We won't need to use envelopes. And even on weekends, processing the payroll will just be one click away."

Perry Ong, Jr., owner of MOKS Recipes Frozen Foods, echoed this assessment, noting that their employees' money is more secure if deposited in a bank.

Joey De Villa (left), Team Head of BDO's CMS-SME Business Development, explains to Perry Ong, Jr. how BDO CMS will improve the payroll system of Ong’s food manufacturing business.

"What I like about BDO's CMS is our employees' salaries will now go directly to their BDO savings account where their money will be safe," he pointed out. "Manual processing of payroll is very time consuming and also usually includes my weekends. But with the extra free time that I'll now have, I can use that to look for more clients."

Since BDO Cash Management Services include the creation of a payroll account for a client’s employees, that account will have no maintaining balance. 

Seamless payment to suppliers thru check disbursement feature

Another service of CMS that the SMEs lauded was its automated check disbursement feature. This allows clients to prepare, manage and print checks for quick and easy payment.

Anna Liza Santiago (left) shows appreciation on how BDO CMS will improve the check disbursement process of her pharmaceutical business, as explained by Ramon Gonzales III, Business Development Officer of BDO's CMS-SME.   

“It already has a voucher. After I print the check, I can already issue it to my supplier. I'll avoid instances of constantly manually correcting it,” said Anna Liza Santiago, owner of Triple K Drugstore.

Tampus, a newly signed-up BDO payroll client, said that as a dealer and operator of EcoOil gas station, this feature likewise saves her the burden of manually writing checks—a process that is usually prone to errors. 

“I can issue checks wherever I am. I don't need a physical check to sign, I can just do it in the website. It can be printed out and then used to pay a supplier right away,” she said. “I used to issue a minimum of 20 checks in a month. And of course, it's hard to avoid human errors like the spelling and the ensuing corrections. Using CMS checkwriting facilities, will save us more time.”

CMS gives SMEs more time to grow their business

"It is about having the right service accessible to the SMEs, and guiding the business owners on how these tools can improve their day-to-day operations," said Grace R. Caguioa, BDO Unibank first vice president and head of its Transaction Banking Group CMS-SME segment. "Most entrepreneurs do not quantify their time as a valuable resource, so this is where we come in. BDO has CMS SME packages designed to make payments easier and receipt of payments faster—so that they can focus more on growing their business,” she added.  

By also having a venue by which their current and future business needs were tackled during Usapang Negosyo, SME clients also gained an opportunity to be introduced and mingle with each other during the forum. By bringing this network of clients, vendors, and suppliers together, BDO put this supply chain community to work with a chance to further grow.

“One of the key objectives of BDO in holding this forum is to help develop networks. What's important is we work together and develop what we can in our own little communities. We, in BDO, is committed to providing not just our cash management services and financial education, but more importantly help businesses continue to learn from each other and grow," said Carlo B. Nazareno, Senior Vice President and head of Cash Management Services of BDO. "We are here and we will always be here with you to help you scale up your operations and build a resilient supply chain to drive sustainable growth for your businesses and communities.”

Enjoy the latest deals this Christmas on BDO Pay

Tis the season to be shopping to avoid the Christmas rush! Thanks to the convenience of shopping totally cashless and cardless through the BDO Pay app, shopping for Christmas gifts will have a different kind of rush, not the frenetic kind.

BDO Pay, through its Scan to Pay feature, minimizes the hassle in paying for transactions by linking the shopper’s BDO Savings Account, Checking Account or Credit Card with the mobile app. This eliminates the need for 'loading up' their e-wallet account and spending for transfer fees, making purchases faster, easier, and more secure.

Mixing and matching to get the latest deals 

Aside from the convenience of cashless and cardless shopping, BDO Pay lets shoppers enjoy BDO Deals on the app, allowing them to take advantage of exclusive promos, rewards, and rebates available for their cards and accounts. 

For example, shoppers can use BDO Pay to charge their groceries to their bank account; and then charge to their credit card to treat their friends to brunch at the newest restaurant to enjoy a 50% discount or use another credit card or account to book flights and accommodations and enjoy the 0% installment plan.

To mix and match which account to charge for their purchases, shoppers simply need to choose via the BDO Pay app, then Scan or Show the QR code to the partner merchant when paying. 

 

Shopping is more fun with BDO Pay. Avoid the Holiday rush with the convenience of shopping totally cashless and cardless through BDO Pay.

The BDO Pay app enhances your purchasing power by combining the perks of your credit cards and bank accounts with the convenience of digital transactions. To stay up to date on the latest deals, simply browse through the BDO Deals portion on the app. 

For more information on BDO and the BDO Pay app, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/. Download the BDO Pay app for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

BDO Fiesta well-received in Bacolod

AMONG Filipinos, festival events—or commonly called fiestas—hold cultural significance that bring family, friends, and the entire community together. Fiestas showcase the country's heritage and provide an opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate in unison through parades, lots of food in every household, and festivities all day long.

As part of a fabric of a community, BDO Unibank celebrated its own BDO Fiesta by bringing joy and financial knowledge to the very people it serves, through different products and services that benefit individuals, families, businesses, and communities. 



We are part of the community. BDO personnel gamely facilitate the registration process and address queries from clients on various BDO products and services during the BDO Fiesta held in SM City Bacolod.

BDO Fiesta in the Sugar Bowl

Following the success of the BDO Fiesta in the Ilocos province, BDO went to Bacolod to promote Tara na sa BDO! Sa bangko, sigurado.

Negrenses were treated to BDO’s tailor-fit and secure banking experience that includes extended banking hours, and weekend banking (with some of its branches being open on Saturdays). On-the-ground activities with lots of prizes and surprises as well as a Thanksgiving concert last Nov. 16 at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center.



Glitzy. Celebrities like (from left) Lassy, Tart Carlos, Belle Mariano, Ruru Madrid, Donita Nose, and MC provide the laughs and entertainment to Negrenses who trooped to the Bacolod SMX Convention Center for the Thanksgiving concert as part of the culminating activity of the BDO Fiesta.

"We want Bacolod and the communities in Negros Occidental to know that BDO is here, and that we are present and part of the community," BDO said. "We want to celebrate with them right where they are.”

The Rise of the New BDO Corporate Center Makati

BDO Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson and BDO President and CEO Nestor V. Tan led a time capsule-laying ceremony on November 15, 2024, marking the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati.

Breaking ground. BDO Unibank Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (5th from left) and President & CEO Nestor V. Tan (center) led a time capsule-laying ceremony on November 15, 2024 to mark the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati. They are joined by (from left to right): Lesley Villanueva, President, DATEM, Inc.; Lilit Tumbocon, Partner, DATEM, Inc.; Liberito Espiritu, Chairman & CEO, DATEM, Inc.; Bubut Montejo, SVP of Facilities, Procurement, and Logistics, BDO Unibank; and Jerome Guevara, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, BDO Unibank.

The Makati complex is one of three BDO main office complexes, alongside the existing BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City and the nearing-completion structure of BDO Corporate Center Cebu in the Visayas. 

At the Heart of Makati City. Architect’s rendering of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati, designed to foster community connection and environmental sustainability in the heart of Makati City’s business district.

Sustainability contribution is a key priority, which drive practices to not only address environmental concerns, but also enhance human comfort while reducing operational costs and contributing to a more resilient structure which will be enjoyed by generations. All these contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change and create healthier and more inclusive communities. 

Combining five separate plots into a unified business hub comprised of 2 towers and an annex building, the towers feature an innovative exoskeleton structure, allowing open, flexible spaces without the need for conventional pillars. Embodied carbon and whole lifecycle carbon management have been integrated into the design. The lightweight structural system not only reduces the concrete content of the buildings by over 65,000 tons, it also simultaneously improves performance in the country’s seismic environment. In addition, operational energy will be reduced by more than 40 percent, radiant cooling systems drastically reduce energy demands, and over 70 percent of potable water is recycled and re-used on site. 

The overall design includes 75 percent of its rooftops covered in greenery, an urban farm, an auditorium, and event areas – all of which contribute to making the center a positive and inclusive addition to the city. Inside the building, workspaces will encourage collaboration and interaction, with flexible office spaces, trading floors, and business hubs. The center also includes areas for client engagement to facilitate a more personalized approach.

Designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, all the structural and environmental engineering, landscaping, and interiors support the vision of a structure that will be carried into the future. Construction is led by DATEM, a Philippine firm known for its experience with green buildings.

The new BDO Corporate Center Makati represents its commitment to creating physical spaces that support clients, employees, and the surrounding community.

BDO, nagbabala laban sa mga ‘vishing’ scam

PATULOY na pinag-iingat ang publiko laban sa tinatawag na "vishing" o voice phishing scam na kadalasang tumatarget ng mga bank depositor o online bank account client para nakawin ang kanilang pinaghirapang pera.

Ang vishing ay isang modus ng scam kung saan ang scammer ay tumatawag upang makumbinsi ang kanilang nabiktima na magbigay ng sensitibong impormasyon tulad ng bank account details. Kapag nakuha na ang nasabing impormasyon, dito na maaaring nakawin ng scammer ang laman ng bank account ng biktima.

Ayon sa BDO Unibank, narito ang ilan sa kadalasang ginagamit na modus ng mga vishing scammer upang mangbiktima:

1. Tatawag sa biktima at magpapanggap na representante ng isang ahensya ng gobyerno, bangko, o di kaya'y magpapadala ng text o direct message para sila na mismo ang tawagan ng napili nilang biktima.

2. Upang makumbinsi ang biktima na sya ay lehitimo, gagamit ang scammer ng impormasyong tungkol sa credit card o bank account ng biktima bilang dahilan ng kanyang pagtawag. Ang mga impormasyong ito ay maaaring makuha ng mga scammer sa mga dokumentong may sensitibong detalye na hindi naitapon ng maayos, o sa mga posts sa social media ng mismong biktima. May mga pagkakataon din na bumibisita o sumasali mismo ang mga scammer sa mga "credit card o bank account groups" sa social media para doon sila maghanap ng mabibiktima.  

3. Gagamit ng pananakot o mabilis at kapani-paniwalang pananalita ang mga scammer upang tuluyang makumbinsi ang kanilang biktima, tulad ng mga katagang "na-hack ang iyong account", "may na-detect na problema sa account mo", "Congrats! Nanalo ka ng...," "Special Offer! Effective only today!," o inaatasan ang biktima na i-activate ang isang offer sa ATM kapalit ng isang reward.  

4. Habang tumatagal ang usapan, tumataas din ang posibilidad na makumbinsi ng scammer ang biktima. Dahil inaakala ng biktima na lehitimo ito at hindi nya makayang putulin ang tawag o ibaba ang telepono, mas malaki rin ang posibilidad na sundin nya kung anomang instructions ang ibigay ng scammer tulad ng pagbibigay ng Card Verification Value o CVV ng credit card, username at password ng online bank account, One-Time PIN o OTP, o ang pag-click sa isang link na ipapadala ng scammer.

Sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na scenario, ang pinakakaraniwan dito ay ang pagmamadali ng scammer sa biktima nila na umaksyon na agad habang kausap ito sa telepono. Dahil dito, maaaring mataranta ang biktima at sumunod sa mga ibibigay na utos ng scammer.

Upang hindi maging biktima ng vishing scam, nagpapaalala ang BDO sa publiko na laging maging mahinahon kung makakatanggap ng text o tawag lalo sa mga hindi rehistradong numero. Dagdag pa ng bangko na kahit na alam ng scammer ang numero, pangalan at trabaho nila, huwag kaagad maniniwala sa binibitawang mensahe o susunod sa mga instruction nito. Marapat na tapusin na ang tawag lalo na kung may pagmamadali, at tumawag sa official customer service hotline ng sinasabing ahensya o bangko, dagdag pa ng BDO.

Ayon pa sa BDO, matapos ma-verify na peke ang nasabing tawag, i-block na agad ang numerong ginamit ng scammer at i-report ang insidente sa Customer Contact Center nito.

Para alamin ang iba’t-ibang uri ng scam at tips kung paano makakaiwas dito, marapat na bumisita lang sa www.bdo.com.ph. #BDOStopScam