BDO Warns Against These Fake Text Messages from Scammers

For my fellow BDO account holders, allow me to share with you an email alert that I received from BDO Unibank last January 25, 2022.

This security tip came hot on the heels of the hacking incident earlier this month, which affected more than 700 clients of BDO Unibank.

On January 21, 2022, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two Nigerian nationals and three Filipinos who are allegedly involved in the accounts of some BDO clients and making unauthorized transfers of money.

To quote BDO Unibank,

"There are several fake text messages going around, asking bank clients to 'verify' their account or file a complaint about suspicious transactions.

Remember: Do not click any of these links! We will never send links that ask you to log in to your account or enter any personal information

Report these messages immediately to reportphish@bdo.com.ph"

Here are some sample text messages that scammers use to phish or steal personal details, allowing them to get hold of banking accounts. Please ignore these or report them to BDO and NBI. Never click on the link in the SMS:

"Your #BDO Card has been flagged for suspicious activity. Complaint form: (link)"

"BDO Advisory: Your account has been blocked. We need to verify your account to continue our services. Click here to verify: (link)"

"Your BDO account has been disabled due to invalid transactions. Validate transactions here: (link)"

"BDO Advisory: Your account has been blocked. We need to verify your account to continue your services. Click here to verify: (link)"

"BDO Advisory: Account Blocked! Due to suspicious activities. To reactivate please follow this link: (link)"

"BDO Advisory: Your account has been blocked due to suspicious activities. To reactive please follow this link: (link)".

Here are additional #BDOAntiScam reminders:

1. BDO Unibank will never ask for your username, password, and OTP, especially via SMS.

2. BDO will never send links that ask for your personal information.

3. BDO will only send links to share information about promotions.

4. BDO will never ask you to verify your account via text message.

5. BDO will never ask for your credit card number and expiry date, CVV, and OTP to verify online shopping transactions.

If you have friends and loved ones who are also BDO clients, please give them this article to provide them with the necessary information to protect them against scammers.