Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — A government official is urging the public to be cautious in sharing their bank details as thieves are taking advantage of the Luzon-wide quarantine.
Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases spokesman Karlo Nograles’ warning comes after the National Bureau of Investigation and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported a spike in online scams such as phishing.
Nograles said those involved in the phishing scheme are pretending to be bank personnel to have access to people’s bank accounts.
“Hihingin nila ang detalye ng account mo tulad ng account number at/o password. Wag niyo pong ibigay ‘yang mga ‘yan.”
[Translation: They will ask for your bank details like your account number and password. Do not share these to them.]
Nograles is also warning people against criminals impersonating reputable government organizations to solicit cash donations.
“So we encourage everyone to double check and verify these requests for donations,” the official said.
He also called on concern citizens to report incidents of theft to the NBI.
Luzon has been under enhanced quarantine for a month now.
The lockdown shuttered businesses, except those offering essential goods and services. It also emptied streets by prohibiting mass gatherings and ordering most, except for those rendering vital services, to stay at home. It was the most extreme measure yet to combat the coronavirus disease, which still does not have either a cure or a vaccine. The lockdown is expected to end on April 30.
